The Lean to the Left Podcast

Are all White people racist against Blacks? What about Blacks? Are they generally racist against Whites? How do we overcome racism in America?Those questions and more are covered in this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast with author, attorney Fatimah Gilliam and Justice Counts podcast co-host Mark M. Bello.After all, we’re living in a time when a former president refuses to acknowledge his re-election defeat, falsely claiming that thousands of votes were cast illegally. Many states – mostly led by Republicans – are making it harder for people of color to vote on the assumption that they would vote in favor of the Democrats. Even the courts are getting in on the act. Fatimah Gilliam is an author, lawyer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose career combines expertise in the law, diversity, human capital, leadership, stakeholder engagement and negotiations.She holds a law degree from Columbia Law School, a master’s in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College.Gilliam is the founder and CEO of The Azara Group, which provides diversity and inclusion, leadership development, negotiation and strategy consulting services to Fortune 500 corporations, senior executives of billion-dollar businesses and industry thought leaders.She is the author of a new book, “Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You.”Here are some key points we discussed in the interview:So, there’s a case in the 8th Circuit in Missouri that might severely limit voter access. I understand it might be headed to the Supreme Court. What’s it all about? Should our listeners be concerned?What’s the make-up of the 8th Circuit panel? In Missouri, it must lean Republican, right?Why do Democrats seem to be for more freedom and access to voting, while Republicans want to restrict access?Are these efforts racist? Are we talking about blatant bigotry here?In general, we have a voting rights act, right? Why isn’t it enough to protect us?You speak about what you call “Jim Crow 2.0.” You say that the strategy will strip freedoms and suppress votes of people of color and younger, urban, elderly, and disabled Americans. What’s the strategy and what can people do about it?In the materials you provided us, you mention Supreme Court cases of Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021). What do these holdings say and how did they skirt around the voting rights act?Do we need a new voting rights act? Will that ever happen if we continue to have divided government?There is a big election coming in 2024. Because of the Dobbs decision, abortion will be on the ballot. People will want to vote. It may be the most important election of our lifetime. Talk to us about the law of voting. Do you consider voting a right or a privilege? If it’s a right, what can people do to assure that they can vote in upcoming elections?Even if state and local governments put barriers in front of lower and middle-income voters, what can they do to assure that they can vote in 2024? Where do they go to find out what they must do to qualify for a voter registration card?Talk to us about “Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You.” Does the book answer some of the questions we’ve been asking today? Is it a blueprint for citizen’s who want to assure that they have the right to vote in 2024?You say that the book provides rare access to what many Black people won’t say to White people, what Black people secretly think and feel about White people’s behaviors and choices. What do Black folks say and feel about White folk’s behaviors and choices?You also argue that self-education without behavioral change is half stepping? What behavioral change is needed and what does appropriate self-education look like?Are White people generally racist against Blacks? If so, why?What about Black people? Are they generally racist against Whites?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We're living in a time of revolution, a time when the forces of climate change and artificial intelligence (AI) are converging in a way that will undoubtedly, dramatically change the world.Tom Riley, a retired NASA instrument engineer and prolific author who believes AI offers tremendous potential for the world, has written a new book called "Dark Heat," and it pulls all of that together.When Tom retired from NASA in 2014, he started coaching young people in science, technology. engineering and mathematics (STEM), and he quickly realized he needed to develop a detailed discussion of what today's generation must do about our climate crisis and how it will affect their future."The thing that struck me so strongly was that we owe our young people an explanation and some guidance on what to do in this very difficult time," he says. "We simply are not providing them with the direction they need."To help achieve that, Riley decided on a series of books aimed at today's generation, with the third one, "Dark Heat," now available. Written with the assistance of AI, it's a novel that pairs two "want-to-be detectives," Sarah and her AI companion, Janet N, who go into action when a friend who was involved in black market smuggling of food goes missing."They go through a long, complicated search to find out what happened to their friend and who the black marketers were," explains Riley, who has two engineering degrees and is a veteran of more than 40 years in high tech, mostly in space operations."It became very clear that the problems of climate change were just so overriding that it was unfair for me to teach young people about space if they're going to be hit upside the head by the climate crisis," Riley says on the podcast. "So we had to convert over, and I had to do a lot of research on what the problems were, what the long term problems were, what the short term problems were, (and) what the breaking points were."Then last March, "the large word AIs became available with ChatGBT 4, and all of a sudden we were sprinting past one of the big landmarks that was either going to make or break us. Consequently, we started this project to write a mystery with AI as a partner," he explains.Check out the complete interview for more about Riley's efforts in preparing today's generation for climate change and the burgeoning growth of artificial intelligence.Special BonusMeanwhile, Riley is providing two signed copies of "Dark Heat" for the first two Lean to the Left listeners or viewers who request one. To win a copy, just send an email to [email protected] with Dark Heat in the subject line, and your name and mailing address in the body of the email. The first two requests will receive the book free of charge.Here are some key topics we discuss in the interview:Climate change: doom and gloom or unicorns and rainbows?Individual action is needed -- now. What should young people do?How will climate change affect the world's food supply and what impact will that have on us in the U.S.?Can AI, including robots, be employed to cope with the climate crisis?As a space expert, do you believe there is life beyond Planet Earth?A look at the Kecksburg, PA UFO incident from 1965. What was it?Employment will be the area of biggest impact as artificial intelligence gains a foothold in the economy.For more info about Riley check out his website at www.bigmoondig.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The Covid 19 pandemic was fraught with political and bureaucratic mismanagement that resulted in thousands of needless deaths, according to renowned Washington, DC-area physician and author Dr. Ravi Iyer.Perhaps worse, however, was the warning issued by Dr. Iyer on the Lean to the Left podcast, saying that sloppy actions by scientists and the Wuhan laboratory in China allowed the virus to escape and unless preventive steps are taken, the same thing could happen again."The one thing that we need to understand right now is we don't have proper guardrails, because this kind of science is going to continue to get done," he says. "The Pandora box is open and all over the world people are going to do this. It's going to happen. They key is how can you do this safely? How do you regulate it? Virologists are fighting tooth and nail to prevent regulation. They want business as usual."Dr, Iyer is the author of a compelling new book, The Reaper's Dance, which puts the reader in a ringside seat to the horror of the Covid pandemic, the calculations of men who were in positions to influence the fate of millions, the science that might have unleased the pandemic, and the science that saved the world.He is the founding physician and president of the Iyer Clinic in Fairfax, VA. A physician-scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur with research publications in the mechanisms of gene controls and several lpatents on human and veterinary medicines and devices, he is also CEO of ActivPower, Inc., a nutrition and wellness company he founded.America's response to the pandemic was "very bad...a clusterfuck,"Dr. Iyer said. "You would have a CDC official making a statement about a public health policy and (then) there will be somebody else from this side of the administration saying something to contradict this guy.""Deeply flawed leaders," he contended, "played to the fears of a deeply disillusioned population and they, the flawed leaders' demagoguery, came to America at the right time to tap into the fear of loss ofd power." Half the population, he added, felt like they were "under siege, feeling that they, their way of life was going away for reasons that they could not understand."Other key points discussed as Dr. Iyer offered his analysis and warning:Many Americans distrust the pharmaceutical industry, which they believe is simply focused on generating profits, thus adding to skepticism regarding the vaccines.Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, was partially responsible for Covid 19's spread because his agency provided funding for the Wuhan lab in China.Dr. Iyer's clinic used such commonplace items as overalls and swimming pool chemicals to protect personnel there, even as other preventive items were in short supply, and not a single worker became ill.He credits former President Donald Trump with his "warp speed" approach to bringing out the Covid vaccine, but then said Trump "dropped the ball" when he learned FDDA approval would not come before the November election and said it was then up to the states to individually implement it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In 1836, William Henry Harrison was the first presidential candidate to campaign aboard a train, launching a practice of whistle-stop campaigning that allowed candidates to greet and speak with voters in small towns along the way. One of the most famous presidential railroaders was Harry S. Truman. During his 1948 whistle-stop tour, he traveled more than 28,000 miles and delivered more than 350 speeches. Is whistle-stop campaigning still happening?We have as our guest today an expert who’s going to fill us in. Edward Segal is one of the few people to organize a modern-day whistle-stop campaign-train tour. He served as a campaign manager, press secretary, and aide to Democratic and Republican presidential and congressional candidates. Segal is the bestselling author of Crisis Ahead and has written for Forbes.com, the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and other major publications. He has a new called Whistle-Stop Politics: Campaign Trains and the Reporters Who Covered Them. Here are key points we discussed with Segal:Tell us about how whistle-stop campaigning was used by political candidates and about your book. In fact, why did you write it?How many politicians have campaigned by train?What lessons could today’s politicians learn from past whistle-stopping candidates?Given today’s technology, the prevalence of social media, etc., is there any chance that this form of campaigning will regain its popularity?Can you share some interesting stories from your research about those candidates in days gone by?How did campaign trains change the outcome of campaigns, such as George McGovern and Bobby Kennedy? Do you anticipate that whistle-stop campaigning will be used in the 2024 campaign? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It was 73 years ago in 1950 that a Black man named Hillard Brooks was shot and killed by a White police officer after he tried to board a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Thomas Gray, who had played football with Brooks as a kid, was outraged by the tragic, unjustifiable shooting. He protested and eventually staged a downtown march to register voters and protest police brutality.Five years later Gray led another protest against the city’s segregated buses. On the front lines of the Montgomery bus boycott, Gray withstood threats and bombings alongside his brother, Fred D. Gray, a young lawyer who represented Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Claudette Colvin, a plaintiff in the case that forced Alabama to desegregate its buses.I’m thrilled today that we have with us Thomas Gray’s daughter, Karen Gray Houston, an award winning broadcast journalist, who has written a captivating memoir, “Daughter of the Boycott, Carrying on a Montgomery Family’s Civil Rights Legacy.” It’s an incredible story that recounts how her father’s and uncle’s actions changed the nation’s racial climate and opened doors for her and other African Americans.Karen Gray Houston was born in Montgomery, Alabama, raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent 41 years as a news reporter and anchor at radio and television stations and networks in Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC. Since retiring, she wrote Daughter of the Boycott, which was featured in an edition of Oprah's O magazine as "One of 10 Titles to Pick Up Now" and in Smithsonian Magazine's Book of the Week series.Here are some key points we discussed with her:Q. To start with, please tell us why you wrote the book and what’s happened since then. I understand that both your uncle and father have been honored and there was some good news for Claudette Colvin, as well.Q. We’re in mid-December now. That’s a month that’s had a lot of significance in this overall story, right?Q. Can you walk us through some of the key components of your book?Q. The role of Claudette Colvin isn ‘t as well-known as Rosa Parks, for example, but this teenage girl was very brave and played a very important role in the battle for racial equality. Tell us about that.Q. In your book you recount the days of the boycott, not only what happened, but how it affected your family. Can you tell us about that?Q. In the chapter about Dr. King’s house being bombed, you write that your parents wrapped you in “a protective cocoon,” sheltering you from “unpleasantness associated with the bus boycott.” What was that like for you as a young child?Q. You write about carpools that were created to provide Blacks boycotting the buses with transportation. Your dad was part of that, right? Tell us about that.Q. You weren’t the only member of your family on the radio, as your dad had a show called “Songs of the Southland.” Tell us about that and how it may have affected you and your career choice.Q. Tell us about your own broadcast career…You were on WTOP Radio in Washington, DC, to which I was addicted when I worked on Capitol Hill. And you were with United Press International for a time. I worked at UPI early in my career, as well.Q. During your career, did you have to cope with discrimination and anti-Black prejudice? How did that affect you? How did you cope with it?Q. What are your thoughts about racism in the U.S. today and efforts by some on the political right to rewrite history, even to the point of claiming that somehow slavery was a positive experience for some Negroes?Q. As we look towards the coming 2024 presidential election, what are your thoughts about race relations in America, President Biden, Donald Trump and the rest of the Republican presidential wannabes?Q. Your father’s initial bus protest was prompted by the unjustified shooting of a black man by a white police officer. We have seen all too many similar shootings occur in recent years prompting calls for police reform, including the controversial call to “defund the police”. What are your thoughts about this?Q. How can people reach out to you and where can they find your book?Q. What’s next for you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Despite the fact that Donald Trump is facing multiple court cases, including criminal charges resulting from the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, he still dominates his remaining GOP rivals and his support is showing no signs of weakening.On this episode of the Dixie Dems, Robert Thompson of Georgia, Arthur Hill of North Carolina, and I have a lot to say about the wacky GOP & their dictator, including Trump's stated plans to use the U.S. Justice Department to attack his enemies should he win the 2024 election, presumably against President Joe Biden."It looks like a growing number of Americans are willing to place their personal beliefs above the Constitution of the United States and American democracy," says Hill, vice chair of the Brunswick County, NC, Democratic Party. "I think it's appalling and it makes me want to work even harder for Biden's election in November, as well as any other Democrat we can get our hands on.""Just to put my red MAGA hat on for a second, just to put myself in the shoes of the Trumpster people...they did not think it was normal that we had a Black president for eight years. They think it's not normal that we have a black woman vice president. They think we're persecuting Trump and everything. It's not normal, and I don't know how we come together somewhere in the middle of the ball field. It's scary as hell to try to live in the heads of these Republican supporters."Additional highlights as we look at the wacky GOP and their dictator:The decline of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP sweepstakes.What about Liz Cheney? What's up her sleeve?Does Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) have a chance against Biden?Biden's accomplishments and health compared to Trump's.The influence of big money donors and their efforts to buy the election.Will young voters sit out the election?The Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) military confirmation fiasco.Redistricting challenges in Georgia and North Carolina.Trump's promise to end Biden's "war on American energy."Trump's attack on Obamacare.The demise of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)The George Santos ouster from the House.Robert Thompson's "Dad's Against Deplorables" 2024 Calendar.It's another hilarious episode with lot's of info, too. So check it out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Welcome to the Lean to the Left podcast, where we explore progressive politics and the important social issues of our time.We’re living in a time today when we might say that ethical behavior, particularly in politics, seems to be sorely lacking. We’re looking at that as well as cultural processes of inequality that too often go undiscussed. Our guest is Dr. Amanda Udis-Kessler, a sociologist, antiracism trainer, writer, lay preacher, songwriter, and progressive sacred music composer. Her book Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing will be published by Pilgrim Press in May 2024, and her book Cultural Processes of Inequality: A Sociological Perspective, will be published by Anthem Press in 2025. Her writing website is https://amandaudiskessler.com and her free-use sacred music website is https://queersacredmusic.com. Whether writing books, music, progressive liturgical materials, or antiracism training exercises, Amanda’s goal is the same: to contribute to making a world in which there is a lot more joy and a lot less pain. She is Director of Assessment and Program Review and chair of the Institutional Review Board at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Here are questions we discussed with Amanda:Tell me about your approach to ethics and how it is connected to a left-leaning political perspective.How did you come to develop this approach to ethics and why do you think it's helpful?Tell me about how you see cultural processes of inequality working in the US.What are some of the important cultural processes of inequality? How are they similar or different across different forms of inequality?How does your way of thinking about inequality help progressives and left-leaning people work against inequality?Talk a little about the antiracism training you do. Why did you start doing it and what do you hope to accomplish with it?You wrote in a blog, “We all struggle to do what is good, especially when doing so is difficult and even more so when we live in a society that rewards hatred, cruelty, greed and power-mongering over love, kindness, generosity and service.” Has that society worsened in recent years when it comes to hatred, cruelty, greed and power-mongering?Do you believe that the ethics of politics has changed in recent years, and if so, why?You identify as a queer feminist. How do those identities inform your creative and intellectual projects?You consider yourself a composer of left-leaning worship music. What do you mean by that?How do your different identities and projects hang together? What's the relationship between developing a progressive ethic of flourishing, writing social justice worship music, offering antiracism trainings, and writing on the sociology of inequality?How can we make good choices regularly?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Our nation is deeply divided along so many lines, racially, politically, economically. Unbelievably, it’s even possible that a twice-impeached former president who’s been indicted multiple times, including for trying to overturn his election defeat, actually could reach the presidency again.Hate against various groups has grown dramatically and is one of the many factors contributing to the mass shootings we are experiencing today. We are living in troubled times for our democracy, and that’s our topic today.Our guest, Dr. Dick Simpson, has spent more than five decades as a legislator, campaign strategist, and government advisor, including serving as an alderman in Chicago, a city known for hard-ball politics. We’ll get his views on all of this.Dr. Simpson is the author of “Democracy’s Rebirth: The View from Chicago. With meticulous analysis and pragmatic recommendations, Dr. Simpson navigates the intricate web of political, racial, economic, and social disparities that are shaping our nation's destiny. The relevance of his work extends beyond a local context, making it a pivotal resource for anyone invested in the revitalization of democracy.Here are some questions we explored with Dr. Simpson:Could you provide a brief overview of "Democracy's Rebirth: The View from Chicago" and the inspiration behind it?What aspects of Chicago's history and political landscape make it a pertinent case study for understanding the challenges of building a multiracial, multiethnic democracy?Your book delves into the complexities of money in politics. How has this issue contributed to the current democratic crisis?Low voter participation is a concern across the nation. What are the underlying reasons for this trend, and how can we encourage greater engagement? After all, we are at a time when the safety and accuracy of our electoral process is being challenged by those who refuse to accept defeat?"Democracy's Rebirth" addresses the politics of resentment. How has that played out in recent years, including among Donald Trump’s MAGA supporters?Political corruption is a recurring issue in the public eye. How can we tackle this challenge to estore trust in our democratic institutions?You’ve said that structural problems are at the heart of our democracy's struggles. What are some of these key structural issues, and what practical steps can we take to address them?You’re all about inspiring individuals to contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions. What role does education play in this process?With your experience as a former alderman in a city with a long history of political corruption, and as a political scientist, how can we create lasting, positive change in our communities?In her Foreward to your book, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot's writes, “democracy is an argument that says that our society’s greatest success comes by all its members having an equal opportunity to unlock their shared talent and potential. Can you comment about that?Where can people find your books and how can they reach out to you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Tribalism in America must end because it threatens our existence as a society. That’s the view of author and historian Michael C. Anderson, who says social media and a biased news media must share the blame.Anderson, an IT consultant by trade with a PhD in Information Science, has just published his fourth book on the subject, titled Twilight of the American Experiment, Without Moral Balance our Republic will Fail. He's our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast.What's behind tribalism in America? Why is it such a problem?"The main problem is that because the country's gone tribal, and almost everyone to the right, left of center has entered their tribe, the tribes don't communicate," Anderson says. "And because they don't communicate, the society, American society is fractured, and government can't make any progress because there's no consensus on how it should move forward."Lack of Political MoralityAnderson believes the major issue is the lack of political morality, which he defines as the application of personal morality to politics."There is the risk to the future of the United States unless we get back to moral balance," he says, because the morality in our country is not balanced now; it's controlled by the left, basically."What about the political right?"They're just as bad," Anderson acknowledges. "There's no question that the radical right is like the radical left and behavior, I just don't think they get as much press, maybe. So it, you don't read as much about them and you hear from the progressives a lot more...it causes reaction against the progressives because they're in your face."Anderson says tribalism in America is "not all on one side.""It takes consensus to move forward," he says, "and the Republicans have a very different personality, and I'll separate conservatives from Republicans because you can be a conservative and not be a Republican, which I, is the bucket I fall into. But the left is more open and interested in change and desires equality and they're attracted to government programs that help the needy."The right is... It has other moral priorities. The right prefers loyalty and authority. They believe that the hierarchy is the right way for humans to organize. They like tradition and the status quo, so they don't like things that in their mind ruin their traditions. They're each right and they're each wrong for their own reasons. They're just different. And as I meant to say, neither is right and neither is wrong, but that means that they have to work together to move us forward."About the MediaAnderson believes that social media has had a greater impact on human communications than any other type of dialogue in history."The problem is that social media being an open platform allows anyone to get their 15 minutes of fame by posting comments or stories or opinions. The media itself attracts outliers who have dangerous points of view and are inflammatory when they express themselves."What makes that even worse," Anderson contends, "is the fact that the media companies look at the number of eyeballs that are reading the content that they present. And the crazier the presentation, the more eyeballs it gets. So it actually is beneficial to the media companies to have controversial information posted."Anderson says the mainstream media, which Donald Trump infamously called "the enemy of the people," "is slightly biased to the left," except for Fox News."I don't see that's a huge problem," he adds, although when you're looking at the news or. listening to the news, you can detect some bias. That's just, I think, an artifact of the fact that most journalists these days lean toward the left because they're trained in universities who lean toward the left."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Legendary feminist and author Dr. Phyllis Chesler warns that the Hamas attacks in Israel could eventually lead to World War III unless democratic powers "stand up to the world bully," the "axis of evil" of China, Russia, Iran, and select Arab countries.Her comments came in an interview for the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcasts, during which she strongly criticized women's organizations for failing to call out the antisemitism she contends is at the heart of the conflict."Iran's program is to get rid of the Western way of life; put women in body bags, execute homosexual men, have one religion under God--their God," she says. "If we don't stand up to the world bully, and I see World War III fast approaching, becoming more dreadfully visible. The Axis of Evil is China, Russia, Iran, selected Arab countries, Turkey. If we don't stop them in the Middle East," attacks on our shores could come.Dr. Chesler warns that Islamic terrorists "have their eye on the West and the Western way of life. This is so clear. What's also clear is the desire to appease in order to be bombed less, so that if we give Iran and Hamas, Israel, give it up, sacrifice the Jews, people love dead Jews, that's when we get pity, when we're dead, not when we're living and fighting back. Then maybe Iran will come for us later, maybe the battle on our shores will happen later. Students of World War II have taught us that the more you appease the bully, the higher the price is, the longer the war is."Dr. Chesler is a psychotherapist and Professor Emerita of Psychology at City University of New York. She has authored 20 books including A Politically Incorrect Feminist, The New Antisemitism, An American Bride in Kabul, and the groundbreaking Women & Madness. She has lectured and organized political, legal, religious, and human rights campaigns in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel, Central Asia, and the Far East.Since 9/11, Dr. Chesler has focused on the rights of women, dissidents, and gays in the Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities; the rights of women in prison; the rise of anti-Semitism/anti-Zionism, the demonization of Israel, the nature of terrorism, forced veiling, forced marriage, polygamy, and tribal psychology. Dr. Chesler has conducted four studies about honor killing that have appeared in Middle East Quarterly. She has submitted affidavits for Muslim and ex-Muslim women who are seeking asylum or citizenship based on their credible belief that their families will honor kill them. In 2021-2022, Dr. Chesler co-led a team which rescued 400 women from Afghanistan. That work continues. During the podcast interview, she says Iran is funding terrorism around the world and wants to destroy Israel. And then, she asks, "who's next?""It's us," she says. "It's the West and our ideals and our way of life" that are in the crosshairs."Calling out women's organizations for demonstrating in favor of Hamas, Dr. Chesler says that if those women were in Gaza, the West Bank or Saudi Arabia, "they would be forcibly veiled. they would be forced, possibly by their families, to marry into polygamous families, even as children. They may not be allowed to have an education, and they could be honor killed for minor infractions." In fact, she contends, "they have joined a faxcist death cult with joy. This is what we're looking at."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In the United States, the racial divisions among us seem to be deepening, fueled at least in part by political opportunists who prey upon fear and emotion.Our Lean to the Left podcast guest is Juliet Hooker, a leading thinker on democracy and race and author of a new book, Black Grief, White Grievance. Her book examines racial politics and argues that both White and Black communities must learn to accept loss – for different reasons and to different ends."Political loss has been unequally distributed in the history of the United States," she says during the interview. "Because of White supremacy, Black people, in general, have had to shoulder a disproportionate number of losses and Whites as a group have been able to avoid loss more because of their position as the dominant group, politically, economically, socially."This uneven distribution of loss has consequences for democracy," she asserts, "because it means that some citizens are making more sacrifices on behalf of the stability of the country than others. And in democracy, everyone is supposed to lose, right? That's the definition of democracy. There's change, there's rotation, no one wins all the time. And so that's one of the overall arguments."The Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by Donald Trump's MAGA supporters is a perfect example of the "White grievance", says Professor Hooker."I think it is," she says. "Of course, there are a number of different things that were going on that fueled January 6th, but I think We one way to think about or one of the factors is definitely this mobilization of the sense that that certain people aren't supposed to lose right in the US that they are the true Americans, right?"About Professor HookerProfessor Hooker is the Royce Family Professor of Teaching Excellence in Political Science at Brown University, where she teaches courses on racial justice, Black political thought, Latin American political thought, democratic theory, and contemporary political theory. Before coming to Brown, she was a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin.She also is the author of Race and the Politics of Solidarity, Theorizing Race in the Americas, and editor of Black and Indigenous Resistance in the Americas: From Multiculturalism to Racist Backlash.Here are some questions we explored with Professor Hooker as she discussed Black Grief, White Grievance:Q. First, tell us about your book, its premise, and what prompted you to write it.Q. In the promos for your book, it says that in democracies, citizens must accept loss; we can’t always be on the winning side. But in the United States, the fundamental civic capacity of being able to lose is not distributed equally among the races. Please explain.Q. In your book’s introduction, you write that “Black grief and white grievance are linked because white grievance obscures and supplants Black grief and is often mobilized in response to it. Please explain. Q. How did the Trump administration exacerbate this?Q. Trump, of course, refuses to accept the loss of the 2020 election and the January 6 attack on the Capitol was the result. Is that an example of White grievance?Q. What about Trump’s attacks on immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S?Q. You also write that “while Black grief has historically been mobilized by Black activists in service of Black freedom, we must reckon with the loss this entails.” What do you mean?Q. You write that Black citizens are “expected to protest only in the most civil, nondisruptive ways in order for their losses to be legible. Refusals to contain Black rage are said to be counterproductive because they alienate potential white allies.” Are you saying that violent, disruptive protests are justified?Q. Many of the January 6 protestors have received lengthy prison sentences for their actions. But you write that “armed white antimask protesters at various state capitals and white insurrectionists at the Capitol received kid-glove treatment compared to the heavy-handed, violent, repressive tactics unleashed on racial justice protesters.” Do you believe justice is being served in these January 6 cases?Q. Do you believe Donald Trump will face justice for his actions regarding the election and January 6? Why or why not?Q. What about police shootings of unarmed Black people? What needs to happen to end such actions?Q. You write that “Despite recurring anxiety that Black rage at ongoing loss will fray the bonds of the body politic, it is in fact white refusal to accept legitimate political loss that is the most profoundly antidemocratic force in US politics.” Please elaborate.Q. How can these continuing racial tensions be eased in the U.S.?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Have you ever wondered why your dog or cat seems to know when you’re having a bad day? Why is it that my pup is so comforting when things are going sideways? Is it part of their DNA?Our guest today, Bill Robertson, is the author of a new book, "Uncle Bill's Animal Tales - Life Lessons for Adults". Bill’s book is about his experiences with animals and how he feels they are our greatest teachers & healers. Bill heard from a psychic in Ghana, years back, who believed that the pecking order of consciousness on the planet is 1. Trees, 2. Animals, and 3. Human Beings. Why is Number 3 constantly trying to overtake 1 & 2? In 1997 Bill got clean & sober, and on the show, he tells about how his cat helped him to wake-up and put down the drugs & booze, and that his two dogs since then have helped keep him sober. Bill is from Boston originally where he worked in corporate America for many years, and ran a sketch comedy show out of Boston & NY called “Heavily Medicated Fairy Tales.” He has written for a kids’ show on PBS, sold two scripts to Lifetime, and wrote and produced a feature film, “Paradise, a Town of Sinners & Saints” based on a musical comedy that he produced in LA and Austin, TX to rave reviews and sold-out houses. Also on the show, Bill reveals what it was like to come out as gay to his family, friends, and co-workers, and offers advice to those facing similar challenges.Here are some questions we discussed with Bill:Q. The subject of your book is fascinating. What was going on in your life before your cat and dogs intervened?Q. You write in the promo copy for your book on Amazon that animals can be our best healers and teachers. Exactly what did they do to help you get clean and sober?Q. How can our listeners recognize their connection with animals in the home, and in nature as well?Q. Do you have any advice for people who do not have pets in their home, but are dealing with stress and anxiety, or challenges to overcome, as you did with alcohol and drugs?Q. Where did the “Uncle Bill” come from in the book’s title? Q. You had a career in corporate America before aging out when you turned 60. Exactly what did you do?Q. After you retired from your job, you quickly shifted to focusing on the arts – film, theatre, writing…how did you do that?Q. On your Facebook page, you posted this quote: “Living life to the fullest is taking chances, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and knowing that it’s all part of the journey for the greater good.” Please explain that.Q. There’s also a great pic of you and Tucker. Who is Tucker? What’s he mean to you?Q. Who was Sophie? On Facebook, you say she was one of the reasons you wrote your book.Q. You recently appeared on a podcast that was billed as “How to Never Stop Being Yourself, Unapologetic Coming Out Expert.” Can you talk about your “coming out” experience?Q. Advice for others facing the same situation?Q. Are the challenges facing the queer community worsening these days, and if so, why?Q. You have a new book in the works. Can you tell us about that?Q. Where can people find your books and how can they connect with you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Sexual harassment, workplace violence, school violence, bullying, public violence, campus rape, and sexual assault are all connected to whether there is violence in the home, according to our Lean to the Left podcast guest, Sabrina Osso.One out of three women will be beaten or raped in a lifetime. One out of five adolescent girls is abused by her boyfriend. One out of three young people will be in an abusive relationship. Fifteen million children witness violence in their own homes each and every year, according to Osso."That's just in the U. S. Just the ones that we know about that are documented, if you will," says Osso, founder and CEO of OSSO SAFE…Feel safe where you live, work, and play. She is a TEDx Speaker, Author, and real estate agent who promotes safety and preventing violence in the workplace, schools, and homes.About 324, 000 pregnant women go into the emergency room not for pregnant related issues before abuse related injuries, she says. One out of seven men is abused."By the end of today, four women will be killed by their abusive partners and most of them will be killed after they leave their abusers. So then leaving is not the answer," she contends. "And I would say another statistic, five children in this country are murdered every day at the hands of an abusive parent. And most of the time it's under the watch of a Child Protective Service Agency. So those are statistics that are just off the top of my head. 80 percent of all runaways come from violent homes. And all of this is rooted in the lack of respect in homes, the lack of safety in homes."Osso says she grew up in a violent household where she suffered physical and mental abuse, as did her mother. Her first-hand experience has helped her develop OssoSafe, her solution to ending violence at home, school, and at work.Here are some questions we discussed with her:Q. Just how prevalent is home violence and how does that relate to schools, businesses, and properties?Q. What are some examples of abuse?Q. What are some of the symptoms of a would-be abuser in the home?Q. What are some of the symptoms of a potential victim?Q. What are some examples of being in a good relationship?Q. What is the connection between home violence and pornography?Q. On your Facebook page you say that people who practice BDSM are sex abusers and that children living under those circumstances are victims. You also say that BDSM should be made illegal. First, what is BDSM? And how does that practice affect children?Q. What do you mean by “we have to practice not being abusive, especially when it comes to children”?Q. You say that the “legal system” makes horrible matters even worse for the abused child. How is that?Q. You say “Children need to have agency over their lives way before 18 years of age.” What does this mean?Q. What is the Osso Safe Certification and the Osso Safe Home Sweet Home Package that your company is introducing into the real estate market?Q. Explain your YouTube channel: Osso Safe Kids, the Osso Safe Kids’ Cheer/Anthem, and what this has to do with your Osso Safe Certification program.Q. Tell us about your children’s book, “Home Safe Home, For You and Me”.Q. What is Osso Safe's vision for the prevention of home violence and the real estate industry?Q. What are some key takeaways/action steps to promote safety and prevent home violence?Q. How can people learn more about what you’re doing?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Violent extremism is increasing in the United States and around the world, the latest example being the horrible attacks against Israel by Hamas and the subsequent criticism in the U.S. of Israel for defending itself.Appearing on the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcast with thriller author Mark M. Bello and myself, author and clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Bashah discusses the factors that lead to anti-semitism and addictive ideologies, including those that have led to the tragic war in the Gaza Strip.An Arab Jew whose family was persecuted by Saddam Hussein and the Ba'ath Party, Dr. Bashah says the lack of understanding around what causes extremism simply adds fuel to the fire."The thought of understanding extremists feels very icky to many of us," she says. "But the truth is, more and more seemingly reasonable individuals are falling into the trap of violent extremism, and are lured in by compelling conspiracy theories and a feeling of control they have when they engage with extremist ideologies. By not working to understand extremists, we are actually encouraging extremism to continue." During the interview she was asked for her opinion of recent college campus demonstrations where students have shown support for Hamas and criticizing Israel for its attacks defending itself from those attacks."I'm saying it is okay to have sympathy and empathy for the innocent Palestinian child who has nothing to do with this conflict," she says. "And yet Hamas is exploiting them as a military terrorist organization, pseudo political."But they've got their own agenda in this and they're just exploiting Palestinians for their own political. agitation. And that is what is driving these massacres and the attacks that occurred in Israel on October 7th. They are political agitators. That is the motive of a terrorist. And it is happening on a broad scale."Anti-Semitism and Addictive IdeologiesDr. Bashah was asked for her thoughts about Israel being portrayed as the aggressor rather than the defender in this conflict."People have been asking me this, why is there so always been so much anti Semitism historically? What is it about the Jews that they become the scapegoat in so many historical contexts? "If you look even at my family story, so I am an Arab Jew, my parents escaped from persecution out of Baghdad during the time of the Ba'ath party, when Saddam Hussein was rising to power in 1941, we suffered the farhood, which was the violent dispossession.It's a pogrom. And we saw these horrific. type of atrocities, the same kind of sadistic massacres that we saw on October 7th where women who were pregnant, their bellies were cut open, fetuses were pulled out and Jewish people were mutilated and dismembered. Same thing that we saw on October 7th."I don't know if your audience has heard. Babies were beheaded, even Hamas was putting babies in ovens and killing them, burning them alive. There are horrific stories that I'm hearing on a day to day basis from family members directly who are talking about what has happened to their family in Israel."Jews, she says, have "never had something to defend aside from our own ethnic, religious, spiritual, racial identity. And so we learned to uproot ourselves in order to survive. Because it wasn't worth staying to defend until the state of Israel was created and Israel will stop at nothing. Israel will not, Israelis will not give up Israel. It's just full stop."Dr. Bashah frequently serves as an expert witness in civil and criminal court sand has worked on high-profile cases covering issues of domestic terrorism and capital offenses. She and Paul E. Johnson Jr., former mayor of Phoenix, AZ, are the authors of the new book, Addictive Ideologies -- Finding Meaning and Agency when Politics Fail You."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The mass shootings that continue to plague our country call for drastic measures, contends author and psychoanalyst Gerald Schoenewolf, but they don't involve confiscating guns or preventing law-abiding citizens from owning guns.As of Oct. 26, the U.S. has had at least 565 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive – or about two mass shootings a day.Those numbers came out a day after a deranged U.S. Army reservist killed at least 18 people at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine. According to officials, the suspect, Robert Card, 40, believed that people, even members of his own family, were out to get him and were calling him a pedophile. Mental illness is at the heart of many of these killing events, Dr. Schoenewolf and other experts contend, and so they say steps aimed at dealing with those issues are what's needed.On the Lean to the Left podcast, Dr. Schoenewolf, the author of "The Mass Killer: Six Case Histories that Tell Us Why," contends that troubled family issues often are what results in such shootings and he advocates some controversial steps to deal with them, including:Requiring all couples who want to have children to first obtain a license from the federal government.Requiring all couples to undergo training to help them raise their children.Requiring all interest groups that are advocating for specific political actions to register and obtain permission from the government.The problem in the U.S., he says, is not the proliferation and availability of guns, but rather the fact that many of the perpetrators of such shootings come from troubled families in which they were mistreated during their childhood."Most of these mass killers had early traumas, in the first few years of life," he says, adding that the "divided culture" that exists today serves to compound those problems,"When you have a divided culture in which the liberals and conservatives are always fighting, everyone suffers too, because there's constant restlessness," Dr. Schoenewolf says on the podcast. "In the country and all kinds of other things that are happening and more violence is happening all the time. People get angry because they're driving on the highway and they lose it, and they start killing each other because they're following too close behind the other car. Somebody goes up to a door and knocks at the wrong door, and they get shot through the door. People are restless today and quick to violence."Dr. Schoenewolf points out that a barber needs a license to cut hair and if you want to go fishing, you need a fishing license. But there are no such requirements for one of the most complicated acts that an individual can undergo -- raising children."iI parents had to be licensed, you'd have, you'd be able to weed out, say, schizophrenic parents or borderlines, or bipolars, psychopaths. You'd be able to weed out parents who are not going to be able to have healthy children. And you'd, and you also could have parent training," he says.So the government would decide who could and could not have children? "I think the state would have to have special centers for child rearing where children who were taken away from their parents would be raised by experts who would be trained in how to raise children," he explains."These are radical solutions, but we have a radical situation in our country. Desperate times call for desperate measures," says Dr. Schoenewolf, who is the author of 30 books, including 14 on psychology and philosophy and nine novels.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

All veterans and their families deserve to receive every single benefit from both state and federal governments that they earned by bravely serving our country,In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, our Lean to the Left podcast guest is Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D, former Under Secretary for Benefits at the Veterans Administration. An Army veteran, Dr. Lawrence is the author of a new book, "Veterans Benefits for You," which provides updated information, including some insider tips, explaining how to maximize your veterans benefits.A public sector vice president with Kaiser Associates, Dr. Lawrence helps business and government leaders make informed strategic and operational decisions by developing and implementing unique solutions. He has a long and distinguished career writing extensively about management and government, testifying before Congress and state legislatures, and was twice selected by Federal Computer Week as one of the top 100 public service business leaders.We’re proud to present Dr. Lawrence and hope the information he provides will help veterans take advantage of the benefits and services to which they are entitled.Some questions we discussed with Dr. Lawrence, who explains how to maximize your veterans benefits:Q. You served in the Army and attained the rank of Captain after graduating from the Army’s Airborne School, and you received the Meritorious Service Medal. Tell us a little bit about your time in the Army.Q. What prompted you to write this book?Q. After the Army, you became a management consultant becoming a partner at Ernst & Young, a vice president with Accenture, executive director at the MITRE Corporation, vice president with IBM Business Consulting Services, and a partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers. What did you do during your business career to help fellow employees who were veterans?Q. You served as undersecretary for benefits in the VA for three years during the Trump administration. I’m sure that experience helped prepare you for this book about veterans benefits, right?Q. Can you walk us through the key components of your book and how veterans can benefit from it?Q. In your book’s introduction, you write that more than 3 million Americans have served in the military since 9/11. How did that event affect veterans and the services they need?Q. What is your advice to veterans who are having difficulty obtaining the benefits they seek?Q. You also are the author of “Transforming Service to Veterans,” which details your journey from a business executive to political appointee charged with providing benefits to veterans and implementing veteran-focused legislation. Tell us about that and why you wrote it.Q. What’s your take on the VA and its service to veterans? Are changes needed, especially when it comes to medical care?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The Republicans are in a real mess in Congress and Donald Trump's continued dominance in the GOP presidential sweepstakes is only complicating matters, so in this episode of the Dixie Dems, we take a look at the drama in the GOP Trump world and how it's unfolding.There’s a lot to talk about, from the debacle of the Republicans’ drama of picking a new speaker of the House of Representatives and controversies surrounding him, to continued drama in Trump world with former allies flipping on him in court, jockeying among Trump challengers, to a Supreme Court case based on Trump’s “size” or lack thereof, a new Democratic challenger for Biden, redistricting in both Georgia and North Carolina that could change the power structure in those states, and Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville blocking a bunch of military types being confirmed by the Senate because of abortion objections.Who are the Dixie Dems, you ask?If you've followed this blog and our podcast, you know that the Dixie Dems include myself, a Marylander transplanted into South Carolina and Lean to the Left podcast host, Arthur Hill, vice chair of the Brunswick County, NC Democratic Party, and Robert Thompson, founder of Peach News Now and its opinion podcast, Got Damn Liberals.Here are the highlights of this episode as we review the drama in the GOP Trump world that continues, seemingly, to worsen by the day:Trump court cases: Ellis pleading guilty in Georgia…Others include former Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, plus the guy who put up bail money for Trump, Atlanta bail bondsman Scott Hall. What’s this mean for Trump?Mark Meadows: Trump is pissed at his former chief of staff Mark Meadows over reports that he might flip on him in the 2020 election case against him. On Truth Social, Trump called people who cut deals against him with the prosecutors “weaklings and cowards.”Trump Challengers – Trump continues to dominate the GOP sweepstakes, but things are starting to thin out with Pence dropping out and reports indicating that SC’s Sen. Tim Scott could be next, as SC’s Nikki Haley appears to be overcoming DeSantis as number two.Jennifer Rubin writes in the Washington Post, “Her “path” — so slim, it’s more akin to a thread — to victory would go like this: Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), short on money, follows former vice president Mike Pence in exiting the race. In a signal to the “normal” GOP crowd, both endorse her. Haley finishes second in Iowa and/or New Hampshire, chasing out former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and making it impossible (if he is still in the race) for DeSantis to continue. She then gets to be the single alternative to Trump. (There is no sign that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin or Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp are going to wage a campaign.)And then? Well, Rubin writes, “that’s where things get murky, to say the least. Simply being better than all the clumsy, weak, unprepared and obnoxious alternatives still leaves Haley facing the overwhelming favorite of the GOP base. This is not 2016, when Trump could get by with winning 35 percent or so of the early primary electorate to beat back a crowded field. This time, he’s got roughly a 30 percent lead in Iowa in the Des Moines Register poll and about the same in CNN’s South Carolina poll.”New Biden Dem Challenger: Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips has announced that he’s challenging Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination, saying that the party needs to look to the future, and, of course, Phillips, 54, would like to be that future. Who is this guy, anyway?(He's a 54-year-old, third-term congressman from Minnesota, where he represents the suburbs west of Minneapolis. The millionaire Phillips was heir to his family's distilling company, and he also led the gelato manufacturer Talenti. He's Jewish, and he's argued in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict that the U.S. needs to support Israel, although he backs a two-state solution long-term. In Congress, Phillips has been a fairly moderate member of the House Democratic caucus. He falls to the right of about 80 percent of his party colleagues in VoteView.com's ideological data, and he belongs to the center-left, business-oriented New Democrat Coalition and the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.) Stalking horse for somebody else who might have a better chance? Damage to party?Trump’s Size: Hilariously, the U.S. Supreme Court actually is hearing a case involving issues of Donald Trump’s size – and I’m not talking about his obesity. Some guy in California wants to trademark the phrase “Trump Too small” for use on T-shirts and elsewhere. Georgia Redistricting – Positive developments as the result of a new Supreme Court decision that could mean additional Democratic representation in Congress.NC Redistricting – Negative developments following changes in the political makeup of the state legislature that are expected to cost Democrats at least a couple of seats in Congress.Tuberville Military Holds – The case of Sen. Tommy Tuberville of ala

The election of Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana to be the new speaker of the House places him in an enormously influential position in Congress and second in line for the Presidency. How will he affect social policy in the U.S.? As the architect of last year’s national “Don’t Say Gay” bill, leaders in the LGBTQ+ community are concerned about what could lie ahead. Todd Sears, the CEO and Founder of Out Leadership, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in business at all levels, says the policies espoused by Speaker Johnson would wreak havoc on our country’s economic and business climate. "The man who literally thought that my existence would dismantle democracy is now the leader of part of our democratic process," Sears says on the Lean to the Left podcast. "So that as an American, as an LGBT American...this is not an LGBTQ issue. This goes to the heart of who we are as a country.Sears says the vast majority of Americans support LGBT people and marriage equality, which "was decided years ago," he says. "And by the way, almost 95 percent of corporate America supports LGBTQ people and has for two decades. So this man is out of step with not just the LGBTQ community, but the vast majority of Americans."Pointing out that right-wing state lawmakers have introduced or passed nearly 900 anti-LGBTQ+ bills or proposals, Sears fears that Johnson will attempt to enact similar measures nationally. "If he's leading the Republican caucus, of course, he's going to push his agenda, which is right wing extremist, radical, anti business, anti LGBTQ, the man's history speaks for itself," Sears says as he discussed Speaker Johnson & LGBTQ+ fears of increased anti-gay and anti-trans policies.Sears has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of finance and equality.He began his career as an investment banker before joining Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor. There, he created the first team of financial advisors in Wall Street focused on the LGBTQ+ community and brought nearly $2 billion of new assets to the firm from LGBTQ+ couples and non profit organizations.Sears joined us on the podcast from Sydney, Australia, where he was addressing a business conference sponsored by Out Leadership.Here are some questions we discussed regarding Speaker Johnson & LGBTQ+ fears:Q. Can you tell us a little more about yourself? I read somewhere that when you were five you asked your mom what being gay was about. What happened after that?Q. What does Out Leadership do? What is your charge as an organization?Q. What was it in Speaker Johnson’s background that causes concern for you as an American — and as an LGBTQ American?Q. You mention in your statement for the press about Johnson that he is one of the most anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers — why do you say that?Q. Johnson was the author of the National Don’t Say Gay bill, like what Governor DeSantis championed in Florida, right? Are you seeing growth in anti-gay political actions around the country?Q. What are the threats to LGBTQ+ equality and access in America right now? With Speaker Johnson second in line for the presidency are you concerned? Q. Speaker Johnson has represented Louisiana in Congress since 2017, and before that in the state legislature — what is the LGBTQ+ climate like in LA?Q. Louisiana is ranked at the bottom of your LGBTQ+ Climate Index – 48 to be exact – tell me more about the Index, what it measures, and how LA landed among the worst states when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality and access? Q. How did the United States do overall this year in your Climate Index? Q. There have been over 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced around the country just this year. How would you describe these attacks by politicians like Gov. DeSantis and the record of the new Speaker?Q. you’ve contended that the global business community continues to move in the opposite direction. How are companies and individuals making concrete commitments towards full LGBTQ+ inclusion?Q. Where is the nation right now when it comes to diversity and inclusion? Q. Your organization just released a new global talent survey showing a record-number of LGBTQ+ employees feel comfortable being out at work – while finding today’s workplace overwhelmingly supportive of LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Do those in the vocal minority promoting so-called “anti-woke” policies put this trend in potential jeopardy? Q. Are you concerned that Johnson will try to enact some of these ant-LBGTQ+ laws nationally? Q. What do you and Out Leadership find when it comes to corporations and businesses when it comes to diversity and inclusion? Q. What work is Out Leadership doing outside the U.S. and what are you seeing globally? Are there any comparisons between businesses in other countries to those in the United States when it comes to diversity and inclusion? Q. What is the economic impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and initiatives on American life, and business?Q. In terms of wrapping this all up with Speaker Johnon’s election, what other t

Jeffrey Archer has topped the bestseller lists around the world, with sales of over 275 million copies in 115 countries and 49 languages. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (19 times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction.In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we learn some of the secrets of this best selling author as he takes us inside the process that turns an idea into a book that eventually will be purchased by many of his more than 750,000 loyal readers worldwide.Jeffrey Archer’s latest novel, Traitor's Gate, is the sixth of his William Warwick series and was published in September. It's a story about a dastardly plot to steal Britain's cherished Crown Jewels, something that has happened only once since the 1600s. Can you believe 14 drafts and a year of writing and research on average?Archer is an art collector and amateur auctioneer, conducting around 10 charity auctions a year, and he’s raised over £51m in the last 30 years for good causes.He has been married to Dame Mary Archer DBE, Chair of the Science Museum Group, for 55 years, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons. Here are some questions we posed to discover the secrets of best-selling author Jeffrey Archer:Q. Tell us about Traitors Gate and how you came to write it.Q. The story is rich in intrigue and presents a wonderful inside look at Great Britain’s traditions involving the monarch and the king’s – or in the case of the book – the queen’s crown…which in the theft of the century, gets stolen. Where did the idea for this plot originate?Q. Your website, with summaries and links to all of your books, also includes your original manuscripts – all hand written. Is that how you actually write your books – in longhand?Q. Your work includes 28 fiction books, seven short story collections that comprise 95 stories, three prison diaries, three plays, and three childrens’ books, all managed by the Jeffrey Archer Company, which deals with all TV and film interests related to your books. Tell us about that.Q. Tell us about the prison diaries. What’s their origin and what do they cover?Q. What are some of the themes of your short stories? Q. You are an art collector and Traitors Gate trades on that experience. Tell us about that. Is that something that finds its way into your other novels?Q. You also were a member of the House of Lords. How does that experience provide fodder for your books?Q. You are so prolific – how many drafts do you customarily go through, and how long does it take you to research and write your novels?Q. I understand you’re working on two more William Warwick novels. Tell us about them, and when do you expect them to be published?Q. Do you prefer writing novels or short stories? Q. Are your adaptations available on video or DVD?Q. I understand you have a new TV series about to come out.Q. Of the books you have written, who is your favourite character and why?Q. Is it true that you often don’t know how a book will end?Q. Do you write with a specific reader in mind or do you write for yourself?Q. How long does it take you to write a book?Q. What is your writing day like? Q.Do you ever plan to quit?Q. Who are your favorite authors?Q. What advice do you have for aspiring young novelists who want to become the next Jeffrey Archer?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Would you buy into a plan to reduce violence & crime and make our streets, schools, workplaces, and homes safe again from an ex-con who spent nearly five years in prison for defrauding investors? Well, that’s our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast. Herbert Kay spent nearly five years in prison for defrauding investors, convincing them that risks were fall smaller and rewards far greater than they really were. Today, freed, he continues to pay restitution to his victims.In between, Kay has been a retailer, insurance salesman, stock broker, registered principal, public speaker, bestselling author, venture capitalist, business turn-around expert, TV talk show host, network talking head, consultant, direct marketer and real estate developer.And, now he’s the front man for a 501c3 non-profit that promotes what he calls the 1964 Plan, which he says would make America the safest country in the world if implemented.During the interview, Kay explains how his experience in prison provided the insight that has resulted in his plan, which includes making all drugs legal, restoring the nuclear family and ending no-fault divorce, moving welfare programs from the federal government to the states, providing humanitarian care for the homeless, and advocating for a return to celibacy until marriage.Kay tells a story from prison where he, a Jew, deliberately tried to pick a fight with a White supremacist so the guards would stop it and he would be placed in protective custody. The ploy backfired and the Nazi-loving con became Kay's prison tutor, helping him safely survive his time behind bars.Here are some questions we covered with Kay as he discussed his plan to reduce violence & crime:Q. First, tell us what happened that landed you in prison?Q. You’ve told me that prison was the best experience of your life, why was that?Q. What did you learn in prison that resulted in your 1964 Plan? And where did the name come from?Q. Your website says the 1964 Plan would irradicate mass murder, homelessness, human trafficking, violent crime, and addiction. How would it do that?Q. OK, let’s talk about the restoration of the nuclear family. Are you saying that you want women to stay home, cook and clean and tend to the kids while hubby is the bread winner?Q. Really, you want to ban birth control pills, end no-fault divorce as well as government welfare payments?Q. Ok, you want to legalize drugs – all drugs. What good would that do? Aren’t drugs the reason why there is so much violent crime today?Q. Prison reform is a core component of your plan. What needs to happen?Q. Your plan establishes a national compulsory service requirement for every teenager. How would that work and what would it accomplish?Q. Your plan addresses homelessness. Tell us about that.Q. Back to drugs. What are your thoughts about Trump’s wall as a way to keep illegal drugs out of this country?Q. In the white paper introducing your plan, You say “Our politics have descended into a pit of obsequious gladhanding weasels without a single vertebrae, and they have spent us to the brink of destruction.” What makes you think these “gladhanding weasels” would embrace your plan, parts of which would be hated by those on the right and the left?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 20 million Americans suffer from substance abuse at some point in their lives. Mary Beth O’Conno was one of those, but since 1994 has been sober from methamphetamine use disorder. She wrote about her journey in an award-winning memoir, “From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.” Mary Beth shares her story with us in this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast and answers the question: how does a junkie get clean & become a judge?Within a week of being born, Mary Beth was dropped off at a convent. Eventually, she moved in with her mom, but she -- her mom -- was more focused on her own needs and desires than her young child. At age nine, her stepfather kicked her in the stomach for spilling milk, beat her when she displeased him, and molested her at age twelve. A few months later, she took a sip of Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill wine, which made her feel euphoric and relaxed. So, she drank as much as possible, added pot, then pills, then acid. At sixteen, she found methamphetamine and experienced joy, but when this high was no longer sufficient, she turned to the needle and shot up. That began 16 years of severe addiction, resulting in destroyed relationships, problems at work, and damage to her physical and emotional health. But, today, Mary Beth O’Connor is a retired federal administrative law judge. She is director, secretary, and founding investor for the She Recovers Foundation, a director for Life-Ring Secular Recovery, and a member of the advisory council for the Hyer Calling Foundation. Her opinion pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Recovery Today, and other publications. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government leading to her appointment as a federal administrative law judge in 2014, a position from which she retired in 2020.Here are some questions we discussed with Mary Beth as she answers the question: How does a junkie get clean & become a judge?Q. Tell us more about your background and what made you to turn to meth.Q. What happened that prompted you to seek help?Q. The Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program didn’t work for you. Why not? What did you do?Q. What peer support options are available to those seeking recovery, and why is that important for the recovering addict?Q. How can your book, “From Junkie to Judge,” help those individuals win their battle against addiction?Q. Tell us about the She Recovers Foundation. Why was it started and what does it do?Q. How about LifeRing Secular Recovery?Q. Back when you were struggling as a drug addict, did you ever think you would be in this position today – a published author, counselor, and retired federal judge?Q. How can your story inspire others? Q. I just interviewed a guest who spent five years in prison for a white collar crime. After his experience in prison where most inmates were incarcerated because of illegal drugs, he now believes all such drugs should be legalized; that this would drastically reduce crime and save billions by ending an unwinnable war against illegal drugs. How do you feel about that?Q. Where can people learn more about your work and obtain your book?\Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

For baseball fans, October is a great month. It’s the month when the best teams – after a grueling 162-game schedule – are fighting to get into the World Series, which begins October 27. So, today we’re talking baseball with author William R. Douglas, who’s written a captivating book, “The Death and Resurrection of Baseball.” So, stay with us, because this episode will answer the question, can basebal help bridge the political divide in America?"I think that as we move along in time and we've entered this very perilous time, it's really important for the people that are not on either end of the extreme to be the reasonable ones and to engage in reasonable dialogue," Douglas says in the interview, "To listen and to offer up constructive dialogue that tries to bring both extremes, back towards the center, which historically is where the country has always been anyway. "Anytime in American history when the pendulum has gone way too far in one direction politically, the voters have showed up and brought the pendulum back towards the center. And I think we're at that moment again, where we need to figure out, as a people Now, where do we want to go in the future with all these things that are been so divisive what needs to be compromised, what, what needs to be scuttled altogether and how do we relearn the art of compromise and the art of agreeing to disagree and getting along with those that we don't agree with or may not agree with us."And we have to find our way back to that point. I think we can as personally as a person of faith. I think that's going to play a huge part in any such movement like that. But time will tell. Time will tell."But baseball, he says, can provide hope, which is the underlying theme of his book."If you recall times when you or myself have been in a ballpark or even with a group of people watching a ball game and just enjoying the sport, just watching the magic of the game with someone that you know, or love, or even with a stranger," Douglas says. "On a political spectrum, you can be on total opposites, but you come together. peacefully and enjoy the game, share a beverage or a hot dog or a bowl of chili or whatever. And y'all get along for a time. And that's a powerful metaphor of how things used to be in this country, where we did know how to get along with one another."We voted and then if our person didn't win, we let bygones be bygones and you supported whoever was put in office. You went along and and you went about your business."William R. Douglas is a first-time novelist. After obtaining a Journalism Degree in 1980, his career took a turn down the road of Information technology, working for numerous well-known companies, including The Boeing Company, where he still works.However, throughout his career, Douglas enjoyed writing, no matter if it was technical documentation, websites, newsletters, or other material. He lives an hour northwest of Chicago in McHenry, Illinois, with his wife Laurie and cat Peaches. Here are some questions we discussed to see how baseball can help bridge the political divide:Q. You are a debut author who’s written a unique futuristic novel with a heavy dose of sports fiction and a sprinkling of Dystopian relevant to our current time. Tell us about your book.Q. So, your book takes place in 2166 and baseball is a distant memory, lost to history following a devastating second American Civil War a century before. That would be 2066, 43 years from now. What prompted you to include that in the book?Q. In some of the promo material I read about your book, it says “The Death and Resurrection of Baseball will take you back to the happy days of your youth and your coming of age. The story will thrill you, move you, and make you think long and hard about where The United States of America is currently, and where we could be headed.” Please elaborate on what you mean.Q. That same material also says, “Baseball has always been a metaphor for America and has always brought Americans together. In The Death and Resurrection of Baseball, you will find its greatest strength, hope!” How does baseball provide hope?Q. Today, in 2023, millions of baseball fans have hope as this year’s drive to the World Series continues. There are interesting story lines, including the juggernaut Atlanta Braves with their incredible pitching and power, the upstart Baltimore Orioles, winners of 101 regular season games compared to 110 losses two years ago, perennial playoff participants like the New York Yankees who are watching the playoffs on TV, and much more. What are your thoughts?Q. How about the new rule changes with the pitch clock, the ghost runner, and larger bases. What do you think about that?Q. As this World Series approaches, politics in the U.S. is in turmoil. Ex-president Donald Trump still holds a commanding lead among Republican candidates for the GOP nomination, but he also faces serious criminal charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. All of thi

"The risk of climate change is substantial, and it puts people's lives at risk. We need to stop talking about it, and we need to take real positive action."Those are the words of energy scientist and renewable energy advocate Jack Kerfoot on the Lean to the Left podcast as he wrapped up a five-part series of episodes analyzing regional progress as states establish and implement policies in varying degrees to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming.In this episode, Kerfoot examines actions in five western states, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to determine which states are making real progress at addressing climate change and which ones are indeed paper tigers."The type and power potential of renewable energy resources (wind, solar, hydropower, etc.)vary significantly across our nation," Kerfoot explains, noting that states in the West have a diverse range of climates, ranging from semiarid in Arizona to temperate in Washington. As a result, the dominant type of renewable energy resources in western states range solar to hydropower."Environmental philosophies and policies also vary from state to state," the renewable energy guru says. "Identifying which states are making real and timely progress at reducing greenhouse gas emissions is best done by comparing states in the same region of the country, which have similar renewable resource potential."His conclusion in this episode is that of those five states, only Washington and Idaho are making real progress in fighting climate change, while he says California, Oregon and Arizona are paper tigers -- talk, but little real action.Climate Change Puts People's Lives at Risk"The clock," warns Kerfoot, "is ticking," and the wildfires in the western states are evidence of that."The intensity of the forest fires in California have increased, particularly over the last 20 years," says Kerfoot. "And they've marched steadily north, and they've gotten into Oregon, and they've also gotten into other parts of the U. S. as well. So climate change, the risk of climate change is substantial, and it puts people's lives at risk."Editor's note: This is the conclusion of a five-part series, "Climate Change: Progress or Paper Tigers," in which energy scientist Jack L. Kerfoot analyzes regional progress as states take varying degrees of action to increase the use of renewable energy resources and reduce reliance on coal and natural gas, both fossil fuels.Here are links to each of those episodes:Southeast -- North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky.Southwest -- Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota.Midwest -- Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, IllinoisNortheast -- Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode IslandYou can learn more about Jack Kerfoot and his work here.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

We are all living in the aftermath of January 6, 2021, the day that an angry mob of thousands of Trump supporters violently attacked the U.S. Capitol, the symbolic seat of democracy, and tried to stop the certification of Joe Biden as president of the United States.Our guest today was there – not as a protestor, but as a historian, and the result is his fascinating book, “Sorry Guys, We Stormed the Capitol.”Ben Hamilton created the Chasing History Project to try and throw himself into dangerous situations to create historical records for future history students to study. While chasing history, he was a first-hand witness to the events of January 6, and he interviewed people as they left the Capitol building to create an accurate record of what happened in those chaotic hours.Hamilton’s interviews and photographs piece together a fascinating first-person account of what happened that day, from Trump’s speech where he urged supporters to go to the Capitol, to the often crazy comments by those who did so, the actions – and inactions – of the police, and of the politicians who the mob forced into hiding until the uprising was quelled.All of it was done by this former high school history teacher so future generations will understand what happened that day. It was the culmination of Hamilton’s research for his Chasing History Project, which involved attending many rallies, both by Trump’s MAGA supporters as well as Black Lives Matter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s deal to prevent shutting down the government omitted a $6 billion request for aid to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.Today on the Lean to the Left podcast we have a guest who will describe her parents’ experience in Nazi slave camps and who is writing a book drawing parallels between WWII and the Russo-Ukraine war today.Oksana Kukurudza’s parents were in Nazi slave camps during WWII, then liberated by the U.S. Army, placed in refugee camps, and then finally settled in America where they raised their 12 children.We’ll talk about the parallels between little known events of WWII to post-WWII Germany, including the 12 million Eastern European Nazi slaves, and the last million refugees --and how these events are eerily familiar to events in Ukraine.Oksana Kukurudza, the American born daughter of Ukrainian immigrants, is an author and management consultant living in New York City. Since the events of February, 2022, she is writing a narrative non-fiction to shine a light on her parents' experience as slaves of the Third Reich and how today's Ukraine differs from the Ukraine she worked in for 18 months in 1996-97.in this episode, Kukurudza discusses both the similarities between Hitler's actions in World War II as he enslaved Slavs and Vladimir Putin's actions today, including taking children from their Ukranian families and settling them with Russian families where they are indoctrinated to become Russian, as well as the atrocities that stem from Russia's bombing of civilian targets resulting in the death of innocent non-combatants, including women and children.It's a piece of history that is little known and is related first-hand by this daughter of Ukranian parents who had been enslaved by the Nazis.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re talking politics, and with me are Arthur Hill, from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson, from Georgia. I’m a Maryander transplanted into South Carolina, and together we’re the Dixie Dems.There is a ton to talk about today, from the debacle of the second Republican presidential debate, to Trump, his indictments and all that, Joe Manchin and the No Labels party, lewd public activities by to female politicians, book bans, the ridiculous GOP effort to impeach Biden, the right wing nutcase Republicans efforts to shut the government down, and much more.In fact, here are just some of the highlights we cover in this episode:The fiasco of the 2nd GOP debate.The Republicans seeking the presidential nomination.A new civil war?The Trump New York City case and the threats to his businesses.A possible government shutdown.Citizens United.Uneducated Republicans voting against their own interests.Stacy Abrams and identity politics.Jim Jordan Speaker of the House?Matt Goetz Speaker of the House?The toothless Speaker McCarthyRepublicans attempt to impeach Joe Biden.Rep. Lynne Boebert kicked out of the Beatlejuice musical.Dem legislative candidate's sex videos to raise money.Sen. Tim Scott's Christian girlfriend.Cassidy Hutchinson dating Matt Goetz?Alabama Congressional map struck down.North Carolina redistricting.Joe Manchin a No Labels presidential candidate?Ralph Nader supports Biden.Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s candidacy.Book bans in South Carolina and elsewhere.Freedom of speech.How to combat the book banning effort.We Stormed the Capitol by Ben HamiltonThe Trump bail bondsman.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

In today's podcast, we delve into the vital aspects of a Women and Power and explore Helping women master power and achieve success. Our guest is Nicole Devlin, life coach and host of the From the Nth Power podcast, and we talk about power and how it relates to us in our careers and personal lives.Nicole Devlin's passion comes from 30 years' experience guiding and coaching intelligent people. Her purpose is to help people grow in alignment with their vision and goals, motivating people into better realities. She believes we will change dysfunctional government and business systems by strengthening personal power through spiritual connection and growing self-awareness. Helping women master power and achieve success? Explore its impact on productivity and well-being. Key Highlights: - Nicole Devlin life coach- Helping people get unstuck in their personal lives and careers- Key issues women face todayStay connected with us on social media for more insights and discussions on Helping women master power and achieve success: Facebook at The Lean to the Left Podcast. Twitter at Leantotheleft1. Instagram at BobGatty_LeantotheLeft. TikTok at @leantotheleft.Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the profound synergy between a Women and Power and overall success. Embrace positivity and observe its impact on workplaces with Nicole Devlin life coach ,Helping people get unstuck in their personal lives and careers and discussing key issues women face today. Regarding Helping women master power and achieve success and Women and Power themselves, have I addressed your curiosity? Don't miss out on the transformative insights shared in this video addressing the Nicole Devlin life coach, helping people get unstuck in their personal lives and careers, key issues women face today and helping women master power and achieve success.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

John Neral was 10 years old when his mom told him not to go to bed with a woman until he was married. 18 years later, he came out to his parents as gay. Today, he stresses that how we "show up matters.So Neral coaches clients on strategies to “get unstuck” and achieve their potential. He's our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast. A certified professional coach, Neral helps mid-career professionals find a job they love or love the job they have.For 25 years, his career was in education and as a corporate consultant for Casio America. He’s the host of “The Mid Career GPS Podcast” and author of “SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career” and “Your Mid-Career GPS – Four Steps to Figuring Out What’s Next.”On the show, Neral describes what it was like coming out as gay to his parents, something that took him 18 years to accomplish after the day when his mom cautioned him, at age 10, not to ever have sex with a woman without being married. He also expresses deep concern about the political situation today with conservative politicians across the nation targeting the LGBTQ+ community with restrictive laws and proposals."As a gay man who has been very comfortable in his male identity, I have no context of what it must be like for somebody who is transgendered to realize that they're born in the wrong body," he says. "I know people who are transgendered. I respect them. What I'm saying is that I don't understand their walk, but I do believe that their rights must be protected."Their rights, he says, "are being weaponized or politicized", but he believes in fighting for their rights. With the election coming at a time when the presumed GOP candidate, Donald Trump, could be facing jail time because of issues related to the Jan. 6, 2021 efforts to overturn the 2020 election."You almost think we're headed for another civil war," he says. "The next year and two months. Is going to be pivotal. It's going to be very pivotal in terms of where we're headed and what rights are going to be protected and what rights are going to be in jeopardy, and it is more important than ever in my opinion that we make sure we honor our right to go out and vote and to do so and get informed."What Does it Mean to 'Show Up'?"The way I think about showing up is to not be silent. I'm not saying it's about being militant, but in some ways, I think there are ways we can be very emphatic. about what's important. Showing up means going out to vote."Showing up means standing up for basic civil rights that have been taken away or compromised in some way. The divisiveness that we're seeing right now, more so than ever, I feel, sets us back 50, 60 years, decades of progress. And showing up is to ensure that those basic civil rights are honored and they're protected."And so when I think about what it means to show up, absolutely, I will always vote. I will have conversations with people not who are as necessarily far on the left, but to maybe try to understand a little more where they're coming from, and see if there is an avenue to have an intentional conversation to move that relationship forward."Strategies to Get Unstuck in Life and CareerQ. Tell us what you mean when you say “How you show up matters.”Q. How did you learn what that meant?Q. During your career, you were a local union leader. Tell us about that and what that taught you about yourself.Q. What are the six strategies that you write about in your book and where did they come from?Q. How can people benefit from them?Q. What does “showing up” mean for people who tend to lean left politically, especially with all of the divisiveness that is prevalent today?Q. You waited until you were 28 years old to come out to your parents? Why did it take so long and what did doing that mean to you?Q. What’s your advice to people who are facing that decision in their lives?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

It's a common experience for a woman to look a man in the eye, and tell him "no." Regardless of her reason, "no" should be a simple word that carries little weight beyond the moment. Unfortunately, for too many women simply saying "no" can put them at risk of verbal abuse, online harassment, or even physical violence. Our guest today, Dr. Pamela Gurley, says that's toxic behavior that needs to stop. Why do some men react negatively to rejection, and why is it important to call out this toxic behavior? Dr. Gurley is with us today to explain.We’re thrilled to have Dr. Gurley as a contributing writer to our Lean to the Left blog site, something that evolved after she appeared as a guest on this podcast last year.She’s a retired U.S. Army veteran, holds a BA in Psychology, a Master’s in Health Service Administration, and a Doctorate in Management.In November 2019, Dr. Gurley released her first book, “I Am Not A Stereotype: I Am H.E.R.,” and in March 2021, she released her second book, “Black Girl Activist”, instantly becoming an Amazon Best Seller.Dr. Gurley also is the author of the popular multilingual Brown Girl and Brown Boy children’s books series.Here are some questions we dicuss with Dr. Gurley in this episode:Q. Dr. Pam, talk to me about this issue of rejection and the reasons why some men take it so badlly.Q. Is this an issue of ego and entitlement, or what? Or a threat to their masculinity?Q. Why do some men turn into stalkers and how should a woman handle them?Q. What needs to happen to ease this situation and reduce the risk for women? How can men be held accountable for their behavior?Q. Do you believe these behaviors vary according to race?Q. What new projects do you have underway?Q. Where can people find your books? How’s the children’s series doing?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Today we’re focusing on the environmental challenges facing our world today with Rebecca Bratspies, founding director of the Center for Urban Environmental Reform.She’s the author of an award-winning environmental justice comic book series, The Environmental Justice Chronicles. The three books, Mayah’s Lot, Bina’s Plant, and Troop’s Run, are designed to bring environmental literacy to a new generation of environmental leaders.Justice Counts podcast host Mark Bello and I are delighted to welcome Rebecca Bratspies to the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcasts. Rebecca is an award-winning author, scholar, and speaker, and as I said, executive director of the Center for Urban Environmental Reform. That’s a social justice Initiative of the City University of New York School of Law, where Bratspies is a professor of law.Her most recent book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, uses the names New York gives its roads and bridges to tell bigger stories about racial and class politics, and to highlight who has the power to name things and who gets to define what counts as history.Rebecca Bratspies, thanks for joining us for our podcast today.Bob: Please tell us about the Center for Urban Environmental Reform. You’re the founding director of the Center. Why was it established?Mark: What’s its goal?Bob: As a law professor, why are you making environmental justice comic books? Tell us about them.Mark: How are you using the books to build a next generation of environmental leaders?Bob: A Montana court recently ruled that the state’s constitution guarantees the right of all citizens to live in a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Efforts are underway to convince other states to enact such guarantees in their constitutions. What are your thoughts about this?Mark: How would you characterize the state of our climate today and the importance of moving our energy sources from fossil fuels like coal to renewable sources like wind and solar?Bob: Nearly 150 million Americans were under heat alerts just yesterday, after July marked the planet’s hottest month on record. Devastating downpours dumped two months of rain on Vermont in two days. Smoke from Canadian wildfires choked East Coast skies, causing the worst air quality on record for some locations. And Hawaii is reeling from the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century.Yet, a new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll, only 35 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents think climate change is a major factor, compared to 85 percent of Democrats.What will it take to convince the doubters that the extreme weather patterns that we are now experiencing are caused, at least in large measure, by man and our reliance on fossil fuels?Mark: Why did you write a book about New York City history and what did it teach you about racial justice?Bob: What are some of your favorite stories from the book?Mark: How did writing Naming Gotham lead you to get involved with the Renewable Rikers project, which I understand is a restorative environmental justice plan to close the jail at Rikers and convert the island to renewable energy to remove the polluting infrastructure from overburdened communities?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

What are individual states doing to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by turning to renewable resources like the wind and the sun? As we see in this episode with energy scientist Jack Kerfoot, that North Carolina and Virginia are making remarkable progress, while Florida and West Virginia continue to pretend that climate change is a hoax, while Kentucky is making some progress but has a long, long way to go.The type and power potential of renewable energy resources (wind, solar, hydropower, etc.) vary significantly across our nation. States in the Great Plains have very strong and consistent winds, while states in the Southwest have an abundance of sunny days. Environmental philosophies and policies also vary from state to state, and these episodes explore where progress is being made and where much more action is needed. Often, the political leadership in individual states determine the extent to which climate change is being taken seriously and effective policies being implemented -- or not.This is the fourth of five podcasts that explore these questions in various regions of the country. Episode one, focusing on four Northeastern states, and the second episode, analyzing five Midwestern states, and the third show, examining five Southwestern states, are now streaming, and the fifth episode, focusing on several western states, will stream soon."The clock is ticking," warns Kerfoot, a scientist, energy expert and author of the book Fueling America an Insider's Journey. Kerfoot began his career in the energy industry in 1976 when America was paralyzed by an oil embargo and is now a strong advocate for renewable energy as the solution for combating climate change. He's the principal of JL Kerfoot Energy Services and blogs on his website, Our Energy Conundrum at JackKerfoot.com. One conclusion that has become clear in all of these episodes, including this one, is that efforts to preserve coal mining for the production of energy in order to save jobs are misguided. In fact, over and over again it is shown that renewable energy -- principally solar and wind -- provide far more jobs than does coal.So, says Kerfoot, the idea that coal must be preserved to protect jobs is simply "fake news."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Do you believe equity has finally come to the workplace; that women are now being treated equally with men in business today?This episode of the Lean to the Left podcast features Dr. Regina Lark, author of the new book, Emotional Labor: Why a Woman’s Work Is Never Done and What to Do About It.In the interview, conducted by Lean to the Left host Bob Gatty and Mark M. Bello, host of the Justice Counts podcast, Dr. Lark traces developments over the years that were intended to close the male-female work equity gap, and explains why inequality still exists and what can be done about it. She also blasts efforts by Republicans to interfere with women's reproductive health, ban books, and attack the LGBTQ+ community. Their stacking of the U.S. Supreme Court with three conservative justices during the Trump administration while refusing to even consider President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland was "despicable," she contends.In 2008, before founding her 7-figure company, Dr. Regina Lark excelled in a career in higher education. When budget cuts eliminated her position at UCLA at age 50, Regina started over and created A Clear Path from scratch. Today, Lark and her ninja organizers provide professional physical, emotional, and psychological support to people who wish to clear clutter and chaos from their lives.Dr. Lark holds a Ph. D. in Women’s History from the University of Southern California. She helps women rid their lives of emotional labor by offering concrete ways to identify and mitigate the costs of women’s unseen, unnoticed and unwaged work at home, and to unleash women into the full potential in the paid workplace.She delivers keynote addresses, retreats and corporate speaking engagements on women’s leadership, emotional labor, time management, productivity, hoarding and ADHD.Dr. Lark also is the author of Psychic Debris, Crowded Closets: The Relationship Between the Stuff in Your Head, and What’s Under Your Bed.Here some questions we discussed with Dr. Lark:Mark: Quite the resume. Bob and I are proud to have you on our show. This is 2023 and this is a show about justice and injustice. Historically, women have not been treated equally in the workplace. However, here we are, almost a quarter into the 21st Century. Women have finally achieved equality in the workplace, right?Bob: You’ve often used the term “household management.” What is it and why is it considered “women’s work?” And, if you can, please give our audience some historical context.Mark: You also use the term “emotional labor,” especially in your Ted Talk. Please define the term in the context of the inherent inequities women still face in the workplace.Bob: How is emotional labor performed at home? What does it look like?Mark: The saying goes “a woman’s work is never done.” Is that still true? And, if so, what can society do about it?Bob: What are some reasons for the unequal distribution of work in the home? Are men inherently better at certain things and women better at others?Mark: If you could wave a magic wand, how would you create equity in your own household and in society’s unequal, unjust workplace?Bob: If couples and their children thought of their home as a business, would the structure and delegation of the work inside the home change? If so, how?Mark: A person out there is what society still calls a “stay at home Mom.” She’s frustrated by the burdens of Emotional Labor. What can she do to stop the never-ending cycle?Bob: Why is delegating and outsourcing so integral to lifting the burden of emotional labor? Mark: How do we become better delegators?Mark: I believe that men have had since the beginning of time their chance to rule the world and they’ve screwed it up. It is high time for woman to ascend to the throne—I believe that will do a far better job. Is that possible sometime soon? Is there any hope for true equality or a world led by women?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Here we are in the middle of a ton of political news with a bunch of GOP wannabes challenging Trump for the nomination, Trump’s four indictments and upcoming trials, the Republicans going after Hunter Biden…and what are we going to talk about today on the Lean to the Left podcast? Rock ‘n Roll, time travel, and baseball. Great to have Andy Frye with us today. Andy’s the author of the novel "Ninety Days In The 90s: A Rock N Roll Time Travel Story." Andy’s written for Rolling Stone, ESPN and other publications, and currently writes about sports business for Forbes.Over his career, Andy has interviewed hundreds of rock stars, celebrities and athletes, including Billie Jean King, Megan Rapinoe, Tom Brady, Tony Hawk, and more. You can check out Andy’s sports writing for Forbes by going to SportyFrye.comSome Rock N Roll, Time Travel & Baseball HighlightsDuring the episode, Andy looks back at some of the music of the '90s and the movement away from "showy, big Los Angeles record company labels" and from "airbrushed, polished corporate rock stars" to singers and songwriters doing their own thing, "writing songs in their terms, playing their own instruments, writing their own songs, and if they feel like wearing a T-shirt on stage, that's the way it's going to be, and that's the real them."The music, he says, "was all about authenticity and variety and, really, diversity." Andy talks about interviewing sports stars and reveals how they often wanted to talk about anything but sports -- like cooking, for example. He's a huge Chicago Cubs baseball fan and the conversation turns to this year's pennant races, the imbalance between large and small market teams, and the new baseball rules designed to speed up the game, like the pitch clock which has helped slash average game times significantly. Johnny Bench was one baseball star who Andy interviewed and talks about on the show.We also moved into politics, the Trump indictments, and much more."It seems like it's been going too slow for too long," Frye says. "I'm not a super fan of (Attorney General) Merrick Garland. Put a beer in me. I might call him Milktoast Merrick Garland. I think we're all at a place where we fear that democracy's at risk and justice doesn't mean the same thing that it used to.'Some questions we discussed with Frye:Tell us about your book, 90 Days in the 90s. What’s it all about?What prompted you to write this story? Your first novel.The 90s brought us the Gulf War, a recession, Bill Clinton, the reunification of East and west Germany, the launching of the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle, and the birth of the Internet. But what about music?Compare the popular music of the ‘90s to the music of today.You’re from Chicago and you love the Cubs. You work that into your book, right?The Cubs are having a good year…as of today, 65 and 60 for 2ndplace in the NL Central. Will they make the playoffs?You write about money in sports, right? What are your thoughts about the disparity between large market and small market teams and their ability to compete?The Baltimore Orioles are having a breakthrough year after years in the doldrums. It’s happening largely because of young stars bringing athleticism, talent and excitement. But the other day, team owner John Angelos threw cold water on the future by saying the team can’t afford to offer these young stars long-term contracts. Is that a mistake?What do you think of the changes made by MLB, including the pitch clock, ghost runner in extra inning games, etc.?The 90s brought some important developments for the O’s, with the opening of Camden Yards and Cal Ripken breaking Lou Gehrig’s consequitive games record of 2130. Given the way the game has changed, can that happen again?World Series prediction?Politics today…Russia, Ukraine WarWhere can people find your book and learn more about you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Do you want to live to 100? That's the goal of Mark Barnes, co-author of Hacking Life After 50: 10 Ways to Beat Father Time and Live a Long, Healthy, Joy-Filled Life. He’s a longtime educator, entrepreneur, and not only does he hope to live past 100, he wants to bring anyone interested along for the ride.Mark is our guest on the Lean to the Left podcast, and his episode will stream on YouTube and podcast audio channels on Thursday, September 7, so mark your calendar and check it out. On the show, he talks about basic steps that can be followed to improve health and joyfulness as we age, including fending off dementia, including Alzheimer's.Here are some additional questions we cover in the show:So you’re trying to beat father time and live to or past 100. So, what exactly is Hacking Life After 50 and why would anyone want to do it?Your parents both lived into their 90s, right? What were they like? Is that where you got the idea for this book?You state clearly in the book that you and your co-author, James Sturtevant, are not doctors or a nutritionists; you're educators. Why should anyone take your advice?So how can people live to 100 and outperform people half their age?What is Momentum Mindset and what role does it play in living a long, healthy, joy-filled life?Apart from strength training, you share some pretty simple strategies around movement. Talk about how these basic movements impact longevity.Speaking of strength training, you say anyone--even people in their 80s and 90s--can do it. How is this possible?You advise After 50s to Master Meal Planning. Isn't this just a fancy name for another fad diet?Nurturing the mind and soul seems abstract; how does this work?In the book, you claim to have cured your own insomnia. How did you do it?One of your hacks for health and longevity is just called "Dabble." What’s that?.Every chapter has a What-You-Can-Do-Tomorrow feature. If you have to choose just one of these, which one can listeners do right now to improve physical or mental well-being?Where can people find your book and how can they reach out to you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, welcome to the Lean to the Left podcast, where we talk about progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Today we’re looking at leadership and what some might think is an unlikely resource – the LGBTQ+ community.Our guest is Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown is the Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos LLC, a management consulting and coaching firm based in San Francisco, USA, and Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in organizational strategy and culture, transformational leadership, global inclusion, executive coaching, conflict resolution, and strategic storytelling. Joel is the author of a new book, “The Soul of Queer Folk, How Understanding the LGBTQ+ Culture Can Transform Your Leadership Practice.”He is also the co-founder of metaPrincipleTM, a global institute designed to train practitioners on how to facilitate equity work anywhere around the world. Joel is an adjunct professor at the IESEG School of Management in Paris & Lille, France, where he teaches Storytelling for Leaders and Story Listening.As a change agent, Joel works strategically to cultivate innovative, creative, and adaptive environments where the cultural genius of everyone can be harnessed and leveraged successfully.On the podcast, Dr. Davis Brown says prejudice and violence against the queer community is on the rise in this country and elsewhere, and he blames right wing politicians and religious zealots for making that situation work.“Anytime there is quote unquote advances in equity and advances in progressive politics, if you will, there's always a backlash, and I think it's become sport, unfortunately, for a number of factions in our country to denigrate queer people because it helps to raise money, helps generate clicks. It helps to get people riled up,” he says.“They know that they don't have anything substantive to talk about. And so, it's a way for them to stay relevant, to stay in power and queer people have always been, for whatever reason, easy scapegoats because we still are a relatively marginalized community.”However, Dr. Davis Brown stresses that there is much that can be learned about leadership from the LGBTQ+ culture, which is the topic of his book, ““The Soul of Queer Folk,” including the ability to “interrogating itself to figure out who we are.”In addition, he says, “recognizing that there's a connection between all of us and that what I do for myself and what I do for others also impacts the world around us, but also recognizing that supporting justice in the world and such, creating a more just society is something that can't just be born out on social media and it just can't be talked about in private circles is something that you actively have to take action to achieve. And so those are some of the key lessons that I think we could learn from the LGBTQ+ community.”Here are some questions we addressed with Dr. Davis Brown: ● Why did you name the book “The Souls of Queer Folk”?● Why should a person who is not LGBTQ+-identified read this book?● What key themes should readers take away from this book?● Who could benefit from this book? Is this only for corporate professionals? Who’s the ideal audience?● What does the LGBTQ+ community possess that makes it an ideal case study for leadership?● What is Cultural Genius™? And how does it apply to leadership and the theme of your book?● What does it mean to be a transformational leader, and how does the LGBTQ+ community exhibit transformational leadership?● Why is this book timely right now?● Don’t other ethnic or social communities exhibit leadership? Why should we focus on the LGBTQ+ community?● How do you define transformational leadership?● How is this book different from traditional books on leadership?● What does it mean to be Queer-minded?● How is the LGBTQ+ community able to survive despite such daunting circumstances and how can they continue to persevere?● It seems like the LGBTQ+ community increasingly is confronted with acts of hate and violence. Has this worsened in recent years, and if so, why?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The renewable energy industry -- wind, solar, and geothermal energy -- generates far more jobs than coal, and those jobs pay well and won't end when the coal mines are depleted and shut down.That's the conclusion of energy scientist Jack L. Kerfoot in this, the third in a series of podcasts exploring climate change progress in five states in the southwest.Episode one, focusing on four Northeastern states, and the second episode, analyzing five Midwestern states, are now streaming on YouTube and major podcast channels. This episode moves to Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert and author of the book Fueling America an Insider's Journey. He's the principal of JL Kerfoot Energy Services and blogs on his website, Our Energy Conundrum at JackKerfoot.com.Highlights:Q. How do we differentiate between states that are making real progress at reducing greenhouse gas emissions versus states that are “paper tigers” at addressing climate change?Kerfoot:We should look at these factors:1. Renewable Energy Potential.2. Environmental Standards.3. Eliminating Barriers.4. Eliminating Coal.5. Pollution.6. Economics.7. Climate Change.8. Resilient Power Grid.State Analysis:ARKANSAS – Natural StateArkansas has a diverse range of renewable energy resources including hydropower, solar, biomass, and wind. However, only a small portion of Arkansas’ renewable energy resources have been developed by state utilities. Verdict – Paper TigerCOLORADO – Centennial StateColorado has significant wind energy resources on the eastern plains and mountain crests of the state. Colorado also has substantial solar, hydropower, and biomass renewable energy resources. However, only a small portion of Colorado’s vast renewable energy resources have been developed by state utilities. Verdict – Some progress, more action needed.NEW MEXICO – Land Of EnchantmentIn 2002, New Mexico enacted a Renewables Portfolio Standard, mandating all utilities sell 40% of their electricity from renewables by 2025 and 80% by 2040. legislators overwhelmingly approved the Energy Transition Act, requiring utilities to sell 100% of their electricity from zero-carbon sources (renewables or nuclear) by 2045.Verdict – ProgressOKLAHOMA – Sooner StateIn 2010, Oklahoma enacted a Renewable Energy Goal for all utilities to sell 15% of the electricity from renewable sources by 2015. In 2010, Oklahoma used coal to generate 48% of the state’s electricity. In April 2023, only 2% of Oklahoma’s electricity was generated from coal. In 2021, 3,521 people were employed in renewable energy power plants, compared to 1,331 in the lone coal mine and coal-fueled power plants. Verdict – ProgressSOUTH DAKOTA – Mount Rushmore StateIn 2008, South Dakota asked investor-owned, municipal, and cooperative utilities to sell 10% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2015.In 2010, South Dakota used coal-fueled power plants to generate 35% of the state’s electricity, but that dropped to 5% in April 2023. In 2021, 2,536 people were employed in renewable energy power plants, compared to 168 in natural gas power plants, and 88 in the state's lone coal power plant. Verdict – ProgressQ. What can we learn from the energy policies of these five states in the Southwest?Two states, Colorado and New Mexico have mandated renewable energy standards. Two states, Oklahoma and South Dakota only had nonbinding, renewable energy goals or objectives. Arkansas, has neither a renewable energy standard nor a goal. The states that have made the most progress at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are South Dakota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.Question:How would you summarize the progress of Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and South Dakota at reducing GHG emissions and addressing climate change?Neither Arkansas legislators nor utilities have shown any interest at saving tax payers money, reducing pollution, or addressing climate change.Colorado has made progress at moving from fossil-fueled power generation to renewable energy. The export of coal, oil, and natural gas (fossil fuels) has been the cornerstone of the economies for both New Mexico and Oklahoma for over one hundred years. However, both states are now moving from a fossil-fuel economy to a green, renewable energy economy.The people of South Dakota have embraced renewable energy and are reaping the benefits of green energy. South Dakota is already generating over 85% of the state’s electricity from renewables, primarily wind. I expect South Dakota will generate 100% of the state’s electricity from renewables by 2030.Conclusion:The clock is ticking to address climate change. Voters should support knowledgeable and committed legislators that will actively work to support the development of renewable energy projects in their state and continued reduction in greenhouse gas emission. The next episode focusing on five Southeastern states will stream Sept. 18.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://ww

To counter negative stereotypes afflicting probation clients across the country, award-winning filmmakers/editors, Jonathan Fisher and George Carrano handed cameras to people in the probation system including its officers.What transpired was an exercise in "participatory photography*" now represented in a book and PBS documentary called, In A Whole New Way: Undoing Mass Incarceration By A Path Untraveled.Introduced in the book are tools and possible ways to transform a system that comprised 4 million people in 2020. The focus of “In a Whole New Way” is keeping people out of jail and informing readers and viewers about probation, a sorely misunderstood and effective alternative to incarceration.It’s both a film and book by the nonprofit Seeing for Ourselves, charting a whole new way to criminal justice reform. In this visually powerful medium, Fisher and Carrano share the intriguing history of probation which dates to the 19th century.Prior to producing In a Whole New Way, the duo applied participatory photography inside of NY's project housing. Seeing For Ourselves is the non-profit umbrella. and the former book and documentary were called Project Lives.Jonathan joined Mark Bello and myself for this episode on both the Lean to the Left and Justice Counts podcasts. Here are some questions we asked Fisher:Q. You guys wrote “In a whole New Way” to shine a light on problems involved in our probation system today, right? Tell us about that.Q. The book talks about probation reform, but isn’t much more needed when it comes to our system of criminal justice?Q. Can you explain for us generally how the probation system works and why it needs reformed?Q. In the book’s preface, you write that “By reforming probation and re-establishing it as a viable option for many ordinarily bound for jail or prison, we Americans will have embarked on one of the most promising paths toward this end.” So, are you advocating an expansion of probation to replace incarceration, at least in some cases?Q. What piqued your interest in working on this project? What's your background; how did you get into this practice of participatory photography?Q. What exactly is participatory photography and how is it used in this project?Q. You were working in the NYC housing projects. What was that initiative like?Q. How did you wind up serving New Yorkers on probation? What did you do?Q. What surprised you most about probation as a criminal justice sanction?Q. How are you leveraging the film and book for criminal justice reform?Q. Who were the photographers and where are they now?Q. You have a new initiative planned. Tell us about that.Q. Many of those caught up in the New York City justice system are people of color. You and Carrano obviously are not. So, are you seen by some as sort of “white saviors?” Is that a bad thing?Q. Tell us about the film, where it can be seen, and where your book can be purchased.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Hey guys, welcome to the Lean to the Left podcast. Today we’re talking politics, and with me are Arthur Hill, from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson, from Georgia. I’m a Maryander transplanted into South Carolina, and together we’re the Dixie Dems.Arthur is communications chair of the Brunswick County, North Carolina, Democratic party. Robert is based in Atlanta and founded Peach News Now and its opinion podcast, Got Damn Liberals. Me, I do communications work for the Horry County, SC Democratic Party in addition to hosting this podcast and producing the Lean to the Left blog site.Today, it’s all – or at least mostly – about Georgia and the latest indictment of Donald Trump. Many experts say this could be the most serious of the four separate cases in which Trump has been indicted. Robert…you’re living the dream in Georgia. Fill us in on what’s happening there. Why is this case, with 13 charges against Trump, perhaps the most serious threat to his freedom compared to the others in which he has been charged. What’s your take on the Fulton County prosecutor, Fani T. Willis?Because these are state charges, Trump couldn’t pardon himself if elected president. But could he be pardoned by the Georgia governor, the Republican, Brian Kemp?Former Trump lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said the Georgia charges had “the purpose of framing President Donald Trump and anyone willing to take on the ruling regime.” Another Trump lawyer, Jenna Ellis said “The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law.”Then, she added, “I am resolved to trust the Lord and I will simply continue to honor, praise, and serve Him.” That was on X (or Twitter). “The lord will protect you as well as he protects us from gun violence,” responded another Xer. What do you guys think about that?How are Georgia Republicans responding to all of this? Incredible that polls still have Trump dominating in the race for the GOP presidential nomination. Also incredible that some of Trump’s rivals are echoing his attacks on Prosecutor Willis. DeSantis called the indictment against Trump “an example of this criminalization of politics.” These characters who supposedly are seeking the GOP presidential nomination, but really are angling to win Trump’s nod for the vice-presidential nomination…don’t they see what happens to people who line up with Trump? For some, it’s been the death knell for their careers; for others, it’s federal prison. You’d think they’d run as far away from this guy as possible.Seems to me that former Georgia lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan showed some integrity, though, saying that GOP voters should “hit the reset button,” adding, “To think that we are going to stand behind somebody that’s in that level of trouble—times four—is ridiculous,” he said. He was one of the state officials Trump contacted urging them to reverse his Georgia loss.Did you guys hear about Trump’s new campaign ad attacking the three prosecutors who have charged him with felonies, as well as NY AG Letitia James who sued the Trump family and organization on charges that they engaged in widespread fraud?More than half the 60-second ad focuses on Willis, and according to Washington Post fact checkers three of the four claims made in the ad are false. Trump has until August 25 to surrender at the Fulton County Jail for booking, and apparently will have his mug shot taken and be fingerprinted. Think about this…it was about a year ago, last June, that Trump was trying to get his image on Mount Rushmore with Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson. Now, probably the most famous of all Trump photos will be his mug shot, taken as a common criminal.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

A couple years ago, a long-time labor activist, Dan McCrory, wrote a book called “Capitalism Killed the Middle Class: 25 Ways the System is Rigged Against You.” He firmly believes that a strong labor movement is the key to saving the middle class.McCrory has been a labor activist for 30+ years and a writer even longer. “Capitalism Killed the Middle Class” was a finalist in the UK’s Page Turner Awards.is novel, “You Will Forever Be My Always,” was a winner in the 2022 Los Angeles Book Festival. His poetry appeared in the 2020 anthology of California’s Best Emerging Poets, and two of his screenplays have reached quarter finalist status in the NYC International Screenplay Awards.Dan chairs the book division of the National Writers Union. His next book will be Leonard Peltier and the Family He Left Behind, a look at Leonard Peltier, the family man rather than the cold-blooded killer of two FBI agents for which he was wrongly convicted. He lives in southern California with his wife, Terri and two fussy dogs."The rich and powerful have managed to, over the years, shift a lot of the costs for infrastructure, for healthcare, all sorts of things onto the backs of the middle class," McCrory says on the podcast. "And we just can't take it anymore. It's ridiculous to the point that it's actually hurting and killing the middle class."While McCrory talks about the need to strengthen labor unions as a solution to the economic problems facing the average wage earner, he uses efforts to organize Starbucks baristas and even entertainers at strip joints as examples of efforts currently underway.Here are some questions we discussed with McCrory:Q. You say the middle class needs saved, and that a strong labor movement is what’s needed. From what does the middle- class need saved, and how can labor unions address that?Q. You had a long career with a huge corporation, AT&T, and you acknowledge that you were well paid and that AT&T retirement benefits are helping you today. So, what’s the problem?Q. In a video promoting your book, you say the current situation is rigged so the rich get richer and the powerful gain more power. Please explain how the system is rigged against the average wage-earner?Q. You also say that there is a “well-concerted effort to wipe out the middle class,” and you see it as your job to blow the whistle. Why would there be an effort to wipe out the middle class? Who gains from that?Q. Have developments over the past few years, such as the Trump presidency, the Republican tax cuts, the pandemic and the growth of the gig economy, worsened this situation?Q. With your book, you offer a study guide and a copy of a sort of manifesto that you prepared called “Labor 360: Saving the Middle Class.” What’s that all about?Q. You wrote that in response to something called the Powell Memo. What was that?Q. You’re now trying to gain traction for your Labor 360 plan? What does that involve? Q. Tell us about your latest book, “You Will Forever Be My Always.”Q. Where can people find your books and how can they reach out to you?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

When Shana Francesca, our guest today, was just three years old, she was raped by her babysitter's boyfriend. When she was older, she was the victim of attempted sex abuse by her father, an evangelical minister. Today, Shana has turned those experiences into a mission of helping others cope with life's challenges and achieve joy in their lives.You’re rolling along with your life, busy with work, the family, your special interests, but before you know it, you’re reaching your “golden years,” so you begin to reflect. What has my life meant? But before you reach that stage, what can you do to make sure you are happy with the answer?That's where Shana Francesca comes in. She is a much-in-demand speaker, writer, and entrepreneur whose goal is to help people live more joyful and connected lives through the principles of life design.Shana says our present and future are transformed when we “infuse our lives with intention and accept ourselves as the author of our own story.” She’s the founder and lead designer at Concinnate, a multi-discipline interior design and life design firm that helps people achieve what is possible in their own lives so when they approach those golden years that I mentioned they can be satisfied with what they’ve accomplished.Shana does this through speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and workshops, and we’re happy to have her with us today.Here are some questions we discussed with Shana:Your story is a powerful one of healing from abuse, trauma and PTSD. Tell us about that.You grew up in and around the performing arts, tell us what you did and how it prepared you for the work you do today.What did you do professionally before launching Concinnate?Tell us about Life Design. What is that?You talk about the power of “intention.” What is that? Why is that so powerful?On your website, you talk about the importance of curiosity. How has that led you to where you are today?Our world seems so divided today, with people on the right and the left at each other’s throats, it seems, especially on social media. Tolerance and empathy seem to have been lost. What’s needed to overcome this? What can we as individuals do to make it better?Is your message meant for young people who are just embarking on their life journey? Or, is your target audience adults who are struggling with work, family, the responsibilities of daily life?What about the rest of us…seniors who may not have that many years left…is it too late?How can people connect with you and learn more about your work?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

As a single mom to her only child, Barbara Legere journeyed alongside her son through his mental health issues and addiction. She wrote a memoir about her son’s suicide, called “Keven’s Choice: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Son’s Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide.” And, she’s just written a second book, "Talk to Me I'm Grieving - Supportive Ways to Help Someone Through Grief.” We have Barbara with us today to hear her story.Keven Legere had spent half his life struggling with substance use disorder while Barbara, his single mom, battled courts, healthcare companies, rehab facilities and mental health professionals trying to protect him.As their relationship strained Keven’s drug use progressed, and Legere was forced to accept and love Keven as he was … until he took his own life.In Keven’s Choice, Legere tells the story of trying to navigate her son’s dark world while also addressing her own complicated guilt and regret over how she handled it. She shines a light on the hidden anguish of countless parents who are taking care of children that society tells them to abandon.For parents who have borne witness to overdoses, arrests, treatment, incarceration and even death, Keven’s Choice is a raw and intimate memoir that shows it’s possible and necessary to go on, even amidst the unimaginable. "We have a saying. It says, as long as they're breathing, there is hope," Barbara says during the interview. "So never give up on your child. Let them know that you're there for them, that you're willing to support them in getting treatment, in, getting mental health care, whatever it is that they need. And you make sure that they know how much you love them. Keven understood how much I loved him. He didn't love himself."Today, Barbara is an advocate for harm reduction for addicts and an active member of groups for parents of addicts and parents surviving the loss of their child through suicide. She hopes to keep her son’s memory alive through her writing as a way of helping others who suffer from similar afflictions.Barbara, thanks for sharing your story with us today.Q. Can you begin by sharing with us what happened to Keven and why?Q. I’ve read that you suffered from guilt. Why, and how did that manifest itself?Q. What led you to write your first book, "Keven's Choice"?Q. Let’s talk about your latest book, “Talk to Me, I’m Grieving.” Why did you do that one, and what’s its focus.Q. Why is it important for parents to teach their kids about drugs and watch for warning signs. Q. What advice would you offer to parents who face a similar situation with a child who’s in trouble?Q. How about parents who are suffering, grieving a loss? Q. What can others do to support grieving parents?Q. You wrote a blog called “Tapping Into Grief.” Tell us about that.Q. Looks like from your Facebook page you’re big into hockey. Was that part of Keven’s life?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Warning that the environmental consequences of climate change are already upon us, energy scientist Jack Kerfoot and Maya van Rossum, originator of the Green Amendment, are calling upon voters to elect state and federal legislators who recognize that challenge and are determined to take concrete action. Speaking on the Lean to the Left podcast with host journalist Bob Gatty, Kerfoot and van Rossum agreed that replacing reliance on fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas, with solar and wind energy sources is the key to reducing the environmental dangers that already are affecting many regions of the world.“The sword of Damocles over all of us is the environment, and if we don't take action collectively together, then we will severely face devastation of biblical proportion,” warns Kerfoot, who noted that in June temperatures in the Pacific Northwest, commonly in the 60s and 70s, reached 120F.“People, are experiencing the climate crisis and the science really is bearing out whether you're talking about heat waves, floods, drought, wildfires,” says van Rossum. “All of these different manifestations of the climate crisis can be tracked back to greenhouse gas emissions, and the transformation of what is happening within the Earth's atmosphere as the result of methane emissions carbon dioxide and more.”During the interview, van Rossum and Kerfoot discuss actions that are taking place in specific states in the U.S. aimed at increasing the use of renewable sources for the generation of electricity, and stress additional actions that are needed.Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey, and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. Kerfoot began his career in the energy industry in 1976, when America was paralyzed by an oil embargo. He spent over 45 years traveling the world, working with scientists, bureaucrats, ministers, tycoons, sheiks, and heads of state on a diverse range of energy issues. He is the principal of JL Kerfoot Energy Services and blogs on his website, Our Energy Conundrum, at www.jackkerfoot.com. Lean to the Left is now in the midst of presenting analysis by Jack Kerfoot of how various regions around the country are doing in terms of moving away from reliance on fossil fuels for energy production. Two of those episodes covering four Northeastern and five Midwestern states are now streaming.With the new episode focused on the Southwest scheduled for August 28th and then the Northwest on September 18.Maya K. van Rossum is the Delaware Riverkeeper and leader for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, which works throughout the four states of the Delaware River watershed (NY, NJ, PA & DE) and at the national level using advocacy, science and litigation.During van Rossum's 30 years leading the Network, she and her organization were the lead plaintiffs in a successful case that had the PA Supreme Court breathe legal life into PA's long ignored environmental rights amendment.Now, van Rossum is advancing The Green Amendment movement, seeking to inspire and secure constitutional protection for environmental rights across the nation.van Rossum is author of a book titled “The Green Amendment, The People's Fight For a Clean, Safe & Healthy Environment”.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Our guest today is author William C. Judge, whose new book “The Wonder of it All” shares the inspirations of his life experiences and profound reflections that shape his view of the world. As the Foreword by Linda Gardner Crandall states, “Judge writes poignantly about his hopes and past disappointments, his travels and the people in his life who have influenced him in unique ways.”Bill is a veteran of the fire service. He’s an award winning videographer and 3D modeler for a DoD contractor. As Bill puts it, he’s a writer, traveler, photographer on a quest for spiritual truth and understanding.Here are some questions we discussed with Bill:Q. First, please tell us about your book and what you’re looking to achieve with it.Q. Tell us about some of your favorite stories in your book.Q. You helped produce an award-winning documentary about Native Americans in South Carolina. Tell us about that video, what it covers, and what you learned from it.Q. Early in the book, you have a chapter, “Our Stories Lost with the Stars.” Tell us about that.Q. You’ve traveled a lot and many of your stories are based on that. What has all of this taught you about our world?Q. You write, ”To travel to far-off lands can be transformative if you are willing to embrace the differences between us and recognize the fundamentals that make us all a part of this human family. Explain.Q. What is your view of the state of our world today from an environmental perspective? Are you concerned? Climate change, for example.Q. Many of us face forks in the road in our life…choices to make that will, perhaps, shape the rest of our lives. Talk to me about some of the choices you’ve faced and how they’ve worked out.Q. In a chapter entitled “Human Being,” you write about how the population is changing and that it won’t be long before living to age 100 and beyond will not be all that unusual. What challenges does all this bring?Q. Not long ago it was the one-year anniversary of the horrific mass killing of children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas. What are your thoughts about these shootings and what lawmakers should do to answer victims’ plea to “do something?”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Can you be a big-time Trump supporter and still lobby to protect animals and family farmers at a right wing organization? In the case of our guest today, the answer is no, and it’s cost him the leadership of FreedomWorks, the conservative group that came to symbolize the tea party movement. But he’s not fading quietly into the sunset.Marty Irby, former COO of the right-wing lobbying group, FreedomWorks, has left that post following attacks by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and other influential conservative critics. They claimed he was embracing Democrats’ “woke” agenda by advocating for animal rights and supporting such organizations as Animal Wellness Action.Irby has launched a new lobbying organization called “Capitol South,” and was quickly retained by Farm Action Fund to lobby for the inclusion of the bipartisan Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (Off) Act in the 2023 Farm Bill. That legislation is backed by some 200,000 farmers in 58 farm groups that seek to reform the government’s checkoff program, which Irby and the bill’s supporters contend is corrupt.In November 2019, Irby was recognized by President Trump at the signing of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act that he helped get passed. He has been an unabashed Trump supporter, but also is committed to the humane treatment of animals.Marty grew up on a South Alabama farm with horses, cattle, and other animals and eventually became president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association. It was then that he shifted his attention to animal protection and joined efforts to eliminate cruel training practices in the equine world.Marty…this is quite the story. Thanks for joining us on the Lean to the Left podcast. Conservative lobbyists usually shy away from us.Q. Tell us the story. What happened and why did you leave FreedomWorks and Animal Wellness Action? What happened?Q. Why is the OFF Act needed? What’s going on? Exactly what is the checkoff program and how does it work?Q. Is this a battle between corporate interests and independent farmers and ranchers? Q. This legislation has been kicking around for a while. Why has it been held up? What are the chances of it being included in the Farm Bill this year?Q. Why should people care? Q. Talking politics…what’s your take on the GOP presidential sweepstakes and those who would challenge Trump. DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott, Pence, Nikki Haley and others like Chris Christie or Liz Cheney?Q. What about Trump’s legal issues. How will they come into play?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, far outpace coal when it comes to generating jobs even in states where fossil fuels are the primary source of energy, according to scientist and energy expert Jack Kerfoot.In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Kerfoot says politicians bought and paid for by the fossil fuel industry continue to claim they support coal, primarily, because they want to protect jobs and not put industry employees out of work. However, he says the facts prove that's a false claim. Indeed, renewable jobs outpace coal -- dramatically.For example, in Indiana, which had 13 operating coal mines in 2021, there were only 1,808 employees compared to the10,500 people employed by wind farms, solar, and hydro electric energy operations."So the reality is that closing coal in the state of Indiana does not put jobs at risk," Kerfoot says on the podcast. "In fact, the more they can do to accelerate the development of renewable energy, they can increase job activity and improve the economy."In March 2023, fossil fuels generated 82 percent of Indiana's electricity, according to Kerfoot, while only 18 percent was from renewables.Meanwhile, in Missouri, where 50 percent of the state's electricity was from coal, down from 80 percent in 2010, there were only eight coal miners, while renewable energy operations provided 4,500 jobs. "(If) they put up another wind farm or another solar park, those eight coal miners are going to be knocking on the door saying 'We'd like to go over there,'" says Kerfoot.In Ohio, where 26 percent of the state's energy comes from coal, down from 83 percent in 2010, there are nine operating coal mines with 354 workers in 2021 -- compared to over 9,000 in the renewable energy industry, according to the longtime energy scientist and renewable energy advocate."So, when you see legislators talking about 'I'm supporting the coal industry for the jobs,' usually what that means is that there are lobbyists on the side providing the candidates substantial funding to support their industry because (they) don't want to one pushed to cut coal and go out of business," says Kerfoot.He challenges voters in states where fossil fuel sources are being protected to support candidates who are knowledgeable about renewable energy and recognize that this brings jobs and cheaper electricity, while improving the environment and helping to combat climate change.Meanwhile, Kerfoot credits Iowa and Illinois for making substantial progress by embracing renewables. Today, 68 percent of Iowa's electricity is powered by wind and solar at some of the cheapest electricity costs in the US. Only 14 percent of Illinois' electricity comes from coal, down from 50 percent in 2010. In 2021, there were 2017 coal jobs, compared to 15,000 people who worked on wind turbines and solar parks."When a coal mine is mined out, they close it. As long as the wind blows and the sun shines, they don't close the wind turbines," he says.This is the second in a series of episodes examining various regions around the country. The first episode addressed four Northeastern states and is now streaming. The next episode will focus on the Southwest and stream on August 28.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

On this Dixie Dems episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, you'll hear Georgia Republican wacko Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene laud President Biden for all of the great work he's done since his election. Yes, that's true. In fact, so true that the Biden campaign has turned those comments by Greene into a killer TV ad.Also on this episode, you'll hear a Republican Congressman inside a couple's bedroom while they are preparing to have sex telling them they're not allowed to use contraception. Yep, that's right. It's an ad Democrats are running in Ohio, and while funny, it's a warning of how the GOP is trying to interfere with our personal lives on many fronts.All of that, plus discussions about the No Label party and efforts by some moderates to establish a bipartisan ticket to challenge Biden and the eventual Republican nominee, as well as key political issues percolating in southern states and nationwide.Remember, the Dixie Dems is the monthly podcast from Lean to the Left, which takes an irreverent look at politics in our region and nationwide. Joining me on the episode, as always, are Arthur Hill, from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson, from Georgia.Arthur is first vice chair of the Brunswick County, North Carolina, Democratic party. Robert Thompson is based in Atlanta and founded Peach News Now and its opinion podcast, Got Damn Liberals.Me, I’m based in South Carolina, the state where two Republican candidates are taking on Donald Trump in the Republican presidential sweepstakes. They, of course, are former SC governor Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador for Trump, and Sen. Tim Scott, the only African American GOP US Senator.On July 1, Trump took over Main Street of the tiny town of Pickens located in the hills of our state, where he drew a big crowd of supporters…some estimates as high as 50k, although that was in dispute by some attendees. However, it was hot and thousands stood for hours to hear this man. Some even got sick from the heat. Incredible.At any rate, it was on the home-state turf of Haley and Scott, two long-shot candidates who are trying to wrest the GOP nomination from him.“2024 is our final battle,” declared Trump. “Under our leadership, the forgotten men and women will be forgotten no longer.” Same old message, reprised from his previous campaigns. Same old song. And the people lap it up.In North Carolina, Arthur Hill discusses a groundbreaking decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on gerrymandering, which he said Democrats were applauding as crucial to fair elections, both in the Tar Heel State and nationwide.In Georgia, Thompson discusses upcoming potential indictment of Donald Trump in the case involving the former president's ill-fated effort to convince state officials to simply "find" him the 11,000 votes he would have needed to carry the state in the 2020 election. There is much, much more in this episode as the Dixie Dems cut through typical and ongoing GOP BS.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

With the Supreme Court’s rejection of President Biden’s debt relief program, millions of borrowers will have to resume their payments in October.For about 804,000 others, recent executive action by the president mean that their student debt will be wiped away. Since Biden has been president, he’s been looking for ways to ease this burden, an effort that’s been thwarted by Congressional Republicans and now the Supreme Court. What’s all this meant for borrowers who counted on this promised relief?For many, it's no less than a financial catastrophe. They owe thousands that they thought would be forgiven by the government, and so they used their student loan money for other things -- like paying bills, covering credit card debt, or paying their rent. For some, it was a vacation or a new car.On the Lean to the left podcast, Diane Gayeski, Ph,D. a recognized thought leader in trends impacting higher education, business, and the connection between both worlds, looks at those issues and offers some ideas about how the federal government could help students manage their debt -- without spending a ton of money.Gayeski has some 50 years experience in education and knows what she's talking about. She is Professor of Strategic Communication at Ithaca College's Roy H. Park School of Communications where she served as Dean for 11 years.Diane is an active consultant and speaker through Gayeski Analytics and works with clients in business, education and the government. She is the author of more than 100 articles and fourteen books, some of which are the principal texts used in undergraduate, graduate, and corporate curricula in corporate communication, human resources, and instructional systems design.So, are student borrowers to blame for their own financial difficulties? Here are some questions we discussed with Prof. Gayeski:Q. An Intelligent.com survey of 977 borrowers who qualified under Biden’s original plan for up to $20K in student loan relief shows that many borrowers were perhaps mistakenly confident about their loans being forgiven. Can you talk about some of the key results of that survey?Q. Why do college students take out loans they know they can’t repay in the first place?Q. Is it fair to be critical of those who used their loan money for things like rent, buying a house or a car, or paying off other debt?Q. Why is it that more than half of those surveyed – 58 percent – say they are unprepared for payments to resume?Q. What steps should borrowers who do not qualify for Biden’s latest relief plan take so they don’t get in trouble over their loans?Q. You’re an adviser to leaders in business, education and the government. What reforms should be made in the student loan system so that it’s more fair for borrowers?Q. Of course, the underlying problem is the high cost of education to begin with, right? Any thoughts about that?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

President Biden had to cut a deal with the Republicans to get the debt limit extension passed and avoid an economic catastrophe. But in doing so, he had to water down his climate change initiative…and that’s causing a lot of concern among environmentalists. We’re going to talk about that today with someone who’s in the trenches.Maya K. van Rossum is the Delaware Riverkeeper and leader for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network works throughout the four states of the Delaware River watershed (NY, NJ, PA & DE) and at the national level using advocacy, science and litigation.During van Rossum's 30 years leadin the Network, she and her organization were the lead plaintiffs in a successful case that had the PA Supreme Court breathe legal life into PA's long ignored environmental rights amendment.Now, van Rossum is advancing The Green Amendment movement, seeking to inspire and secure constitutional protection for environmental rights across the nation. On the podcast, she cautions that the budget deal Biden cut with Congressional Republicans will weaken current federal environmental initiatives and jeopardize other critical environmental laws, like the Clean Water Act.van Rossum is author of a book titled “The Green Amendment, The People's Fight For a Clean, Safe & Healthy Environment”.Meanwhile, she’s just returned from Montana for a groundbreaking climate trial in which the young plaintiffs argued that Montana officials and agencies must be held accountable for exacerbating the climate crisis and thereby violating their constitutional rights. It marked the first constitutional climate trial in U.S. history.Here are some questions we discussed with Maya:Q. First off, let’s talk about that trial in Montana. What’s happening and what are the implications?Q. Why were you there?Q. What is a Green Amendment and how does it bring transformational change to environmental protection?Q. Let’s talk about the debt ceiling deal and the fallout from that. You’ve said that it will undermine environmental protection and people’s safety. How is that?Q. The deal overhauls the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), rewriting this iconic environmental protection law. What’s the problem with that?Q.The debt deal mandates approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. How is that a problem?Q. Tell us about your work with the Riverkeepers and what you do?Q. Let’s talk about your book, The Green Amendment: The People's Fight to Secure a Clean, Safe & Healthy Environment, now in it's 2nd edition.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Artificial Intelligence is gaining tremendous momentum, a development that has caused some experts like Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak to warn that AI development should at least be paused. We’re going to explore that today with Tom Riley, a retired NASA instrument engineer and prolific author who believes AI offers tremendous potential for the world.In an open letter released in April, more than 1,000 tech experts called for AI-labs to “immediately pause for at least six months.” The signatories include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk, among a who’s who of brainiacs who worry that the world is “in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one — not even their creators — can understand, predict or reliably control.” The letter came from the Future of life Institute, a non-profit determined to steer us away from “extreme large-scale risks.” One researcher, Eliezer Yudkowsky, who has been warning about AI for two decades, says we should “shut it all down.”Stephen Hawking, the English theoretical physicist and author who died in 2018, put it even more directly, saying: “The development of artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” That sounds pretty serious. Sounds like there is more to worry about that whether students are cheating on their term papers by using an AI-app to write those papers for them. Our guest today, Tom Riley, who has worked on instruments for the Space Shuttle and NASA satellites, puts all this into perspective. Here are some questions we discussed with Tom:In a note to me, you said AI was like “dancing on a landslide.” Do these warnings that I just mentioned concern you? Should the rest of us regular people be concerned about the implications of AI?Does AI mean that people will be losing their jobs to AI?What about privacy violations…and deepfakes…like the fake pics of Donald Trump being arrested that received thousands of hits on social media?But what about the good it can do? Like addressing the climate crisis, for example? You wrote a great book, “A Climate of Revenge.”Tell us about your Climate Crisis Stories? There are two books, right? Plus, you have versions on YouTube, right?Is there a movie in the works? Or a Climate Crisis TV series?There still are a lot of climate change deniers out there. What do you think the response to this project would be?Can you give us a taste of the plot? Is the AI character a robot?There are a lot of Misconceptions about our climate crisis. For example, “Greenhouse.” Is that a good explanation?If the major problems are coming on slowly, is this then a real crisis?What other big problems are now clear, and where does AI come into play?How can people find out more about you and your work, including your books?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

The U.S. Supreme Court has effectively ended affirmative action at universities, an action that ends a decades-old policy aimed at increasing diversity and addressing the underrepresentation of minority students.We’ll look at that far-reaching action today with our guest, Dr. Omékongo Dibinga, author of a new book, "Lies About Black People: How to Combat Racist Stereotypes and Why It Matters."Dr. Dibinga is the founding director of UPstander International, a professor at American University, motivational speaker, TV talk show host, and rapper. He has studied at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Georgetown, Morehouse, and The Fletcher School, where he earned his M.A. in Law & Diplomacy. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from The University of Maryland where his dissertation focused on JAY Z and global hip-hop.Dibinga’s book, “From the Limbs of My Poetree”, was described by Essence Magazine as “a remarkable and insightful collection of exquisite poetry that touches sacred places within your spirit.” His latest book, "Lies About Black People," is the focus of this discussion. You can find more info at upstanderinternational.com.Here are some questions we addressed with Dr. Dibinga:Q. First, let’s talk about the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision and your thoughts about its implications.Q. Now that affirmative action is no longer a requirement, what can colleges and universities do to uphold diversity and inclusiveness?Q. Are Black people the only, or at least the primary, beneficiaries of affirmative action?Q. The Washington Post published an opinion piece by senior political reporter Aaron Blake that cites an Economist/YouGov poll that shows Americans approving the decision more than 2 to 1 and other polls showing similar support. Why do you think that is?Q. The Economist/YouGov poll showed that more than 4 in 10 Black Americans approved of the decision and that 31 percent “strongly” approved. In addition, just 11 percent of Black Americans felt that affirmative action had impacted them “positively.” Does that surprise you?Q. What is the case for continuing affirmative action policies?Q. Do you feel the Supreme Court’s decision will have broader implications than simply college and university admissions? Q. Talk about your new book and what it covers. Who is your target audience?Q. What are some of the lies and racist stereotypes that you discuss?Q. In your book, you say “The world we live in today is based on lies.” Please explain.Q. Do you believe racism in the U.S. has worsened in recent years? Why?Q. You write that “Being Black in America is like being constantly connected to a lie detector.” Why?Q. Has the Black Lives Matter movement helped or hindered the fight for racial equality? Why?Q. Talk about the preschool-to-prison pipeline. Why is it that Blacks are disproportionately incarcerated in our prisons today?Q. Do you believe Black people in America deserve reparations and other forms of remuneration for the suffering they’ve endured because of racism, including slavery?Q. Dr. King expressed the hope that someday in our world people will be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Are we anywhere near achieving that goal?Q. What do you think of Ron DeSantis and the other GOP presidential candidates?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.