The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Activist Sarah Slamen whose amazing testimony and forced removal from a hearing at the  Texas State Legislature won national attention.

Author, biologist, environmental activist, and mother Sandra Steingraber explains why she went to jail for her environmental activism and Alabama small businessman John Mullins who called out Congressman Mike Rogers on Austerity destroying the economy.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-31-13-Best_of_2013-Sarah_Slamen-Sandra_Steingraber-John_Mullins-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04pm EDT

Educational historian and author of Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools Diane Ravitch explains why the education crisis is a myth, where our schools are in real trouble, why poverty drives educations problems and the problems with the Common Core.

Tor Ekeland, attorney for Andrew “weev” Auernheimer and Matthew Keys explains why both hackers are being charged under a draconian laws under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for releasing information already in the public domain.

And more!

Also Members only! an interview from the Air America Archives with comedian and  "PC" John Hodgman. 

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-30-13-Best_of_2013-Diane_Ravitch-Tor_Ekeland-More-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:40pm EDT

Princeton Professor, Eddie S. Glaude Jr, explains the roots of the March on Washington, Malcolm X’s original critique of the march, how mainstream America has co-opted the Civil Rights Movement, how the left has been marginalized, why the Obama Administration’s failures to hold banks accountable undermines King’s social justice tradition, the intersection between social progress and economic justice and is the end of Black America?

Religion scholar and author Reza Aslan, explains his new work Zealot,what the historic Jesus really stood for, how Jesus was rebranded, why he knew what he was getting into before he went on Fox and how the Islamophobia industry pollutes public discourse.

Plus Cliff Schecter and Sam watch a bizarre gun web show, the Police Chief Kessler saga, the famous Libertarian ‘pinto’ call and more!

And for Members only an interview with Stephen Colbert from the Air America archives!

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-27-13-Best_of_2013-Eddie_Glaude-Reza_Aslan-More-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:54am EDT

Mike Konczal explains the Carmen Reinhart Kenneth Rogoff thesis, how influential the Rhienhart Rogoff paper was, why there study was riddled with errors, how an excel spread sheet error destroyed the methodology of the study, the perils of wonkery and why there is no accountability for elites.

Professor Juan Cole, explains the corporate distortion of the Constitution, why NSA whistle blowers are turning the tables on the surveillance state, why data mining is a flawed counter terrorism strategy, the origins of Turkey’s recent protests and the youth driven global backlash against neo-liberalism.

Plus even more Best of 2013 content!

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread 

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Direct download: 12-26-13-Best_of_2013-Mike_Konczal-Juan_Cole-More-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:33pm EDT

Today's show features some of the best comedy bits of 2013 including Sam Seder's Where's Hugo (of Bob's Burgers) conversations with H. John Benjamin, our fake right wing show The Ken, Ken and Ken Show's interview with Tina Dupuy, Right Wing Mandela, Gohmericans and a Masshole report.

And for Christmas...I mean...the Holidays...the often requested 'Pottersville' song from Decomposure (aka Blank Squirrel) and Sam's infamous 2006 War on Christmas confrontation on CNN with Christian right leader Bob Knight.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread 

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Direct download: 12-24-13-Best_of_2013-MR_Comedy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:07pm EDT

Glenn Greenwald, explains the most important revelations from the NSA spying scandal, why the indiscriminate nature of the data mining is so shocking, why privacy matters to all of us, how the national security state redefines what is a threat regularly, the global impact of the NSA disclosures, the role of private contractors in mass data collection and why Edward Snowden is happy with the results of his whistle blowing.

Also a best of Libertarian caller complaining about government taking away his lightbulbs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread 

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Direct download: 12-23-13-Best_of_2013-Glenn_Greenwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44am EDT

Cliff Schecter explains some of the best and worst political events of 2013, how the sequester, the budget deal and unemployment insurance expiration all harm the most vulnerable Americans, how austerity is still hurting America, playing offense on Social Security and a more progressive caucus in the Senate, how we got filibuster reform, failure and progress on gun control, reigning in the NSA, more deaths from drones, a great Iran deal and the people who want to destroy it and more great progress for marriage equality.

Film Guy Matthew and Isabel Gillies discussed Matthew's theme song, Sam shared his recent lice adventure, Matthew suggested the movies Computer Chess and Junebug, Sam explains the Black Diamond award, Isabel Gillies suggested the documentary Helvetica Movie.

On The Better Half: Republican Congressional candidate compares homophobic and racist Duke Dynasty star to Rosa Parks and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-20-13-Cliff_Schecter-Isabell_Gillies-Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:24pm EDT

Blogger Digby explains the historical context for progressive politics in America, how blogging shifted journalism, why America will always have a far right, Bobby Jindal defends Duck Dynasty star for his racism and homophobia, the fever that drives right wing politics, Georgia Congressman Jack Kingston calls for poor kids to sweep floors for their school lunches and why the right will always push for economic plutocracy and social intolerance.

On The Better Half: A new epic debate between Sam and Libertarian radio host Matt DiGeronimo on everything from Nazi's to the minimum wage and why minimum wage increase would be nothing but good and your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-19-13-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:59pm EDT

Slate contributing writer Emily Bazelon explains Judge Richard Leon's ruling against the NSA's metadata collection, why the government has not been able to prove that its methods are essential for thwarting terrorists, how ordering pizza from Dominos explains the NSA's mass over reach, the issue of standing, will Judge Leon's ruling lead to Congressional and NSA reform? And does this finally fully establish Edward Snowden as a whistleblower?

On The Better Half: Peter Schiff wrong and stupid on increasing Walmart workers wages, recovering libertarians and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-18-13-Emily_Bazelon-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Demos Senior Fellow and former New York Times columnist Bob Herbert explains the radical politics of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. Why Mandela did not renounce violence, the absence of political militancy in American politics, how the US whitewashes radical politics, Mandela's commitment to social and economic justice, how do you sustain radical politics, why economic justice is the future of politics and why everyone should read Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom and the importance of reading Dr. King's work as well.

On The "Fun" Half: a Trial Judge rules that the NSA's collection of metadata "almost certainly violates the constitution" Republican state rep promises armed insurrection if Scott Brown becomes one of the states Senators, more success from the auto bailout, did Chris Christie order traffic jams as a political payback? And your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-17-13-Bob_Herbert-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EDT

The Nation's Michelle Goldberg explains the Republican elites new attack on the working poor, how the GOP's contempt for the working class is becoming more open, the myths Republicans need to tell themselves about the economy to sustain their ideology, will the public become more supportive of the poor and can Democrats embrace a progressive economic agenda.

On The Fun Half: The 60 Minutes NSA puff piece, the Pope is not offended by being called a Marxist, Chris Christie pulls out of a Global Warming pact, Megyn Kelly plays the victim on her white Santa comments and your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-16-2013-Michelle_Goldberg-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm EDT

Weekly guest and political maestro Cliff Schecter explains the importance of the Newton shooting anniversary, how local groups are still working for gun control, how Congress has failed to act to protect the country from guns, why Starbucks no longer allows guns inside its stores, how the new budget deal inflicts further pain on the unemployed, why employment is the real crisis, how President Obama failed by giving in on austerity, Michigan's new assault on women's health and reproductive services, why right wing policies increase abortions and Cliff's trip to the Creation Museum.

On The Better Half: Pat Robertson says letting your kids hanging around Lesbians can make you Gay, how to debate libertarians, the tyranny of student loans, the bizarre story of the interpreter at the Mandela funeral and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: _12-13-13-Cliff_Schecter-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30pm EDT

Journalist David Dayen, explains how Illinois and other states are breaking contracts with workers and slashing pensions, why workers won't be protected by Social Security, how large are the cuts workers are facing, why public sector workers are demonized, why public pensions funds are financially safer and more politically active, how the Murray Ryan budget deal slashes federal workers pensions, why federal workers are paying the price for small reversals in sequestration and why we are almost at the Ryan far right budget.

On The Better Half: Teen kills four people and gets away with it because he is rich, Megyn Kelly freaks out "Jesus and Santa are white!" and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-12-13-David_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

The Roosevelt Institute's Mike Konczal explains why the new Volcker Rule regulations are good, the three reasons the left does not have its own Tea Party, what is the Tea Party? How the Tea Party succeeds across the board at pushing policy to the right, how the Tea Party has pushed state politics to the far right, can the left rebuild itself? The importance of holding the corporate funded Third Way group accountable and what's good about the new Volcker Rule regulations.

On The Better Half: how to deal with crazy conservative social policies, the future of progressive politics in America and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-11-13-Mike_Konczal-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:04pm EDT

The Guardian's Ed Pilkington explains ALEC's role in helping corporations dominate the local policy process, how ALEC was able to operate outside of public scrutiny for so long, the document leaks that are exposing ALEC's far right agenda, ALEC's connection with the Trayvon Martin killing, how exposure is scaring away ALEC corporate sponsors, why ALEC claims they don't lobby, how the State Policy Network fits into the right wing state policy agenda and how corporate lobbyists are designing one size fits all bills for state governments across the country.

On The Better Half: The Daily Caller's Patrick Howley explains his theory that liberal will eliminate men being able to look at women and Sam has a epic debate with him and your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-10-13-Ed_Pilkington-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:49pm EDT

Huffington Post economics reporter Zach Carter, explains what the Trans Pacific Partnership is, how leaked documents show that the Obama Administration is pushing for a stun growth of Corporate power in the TPP trade deal, how the TPP could undermine financial regulation and make medications more expansive, how TPP undermines democratic institutions and will Congress pass "Fast Track" trade authority.

On The Better Half: Rand Paul on unemployment insurance: heartless or stupid? Scott Brown might run for Senate in New Hampshire, CNN reporter asks what maybe the most dumb question asked at a White House briefing and your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-9-13-Zach_Carter-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

Cliff Schecter explains Nelson Mandela's legacy, what Mandela meant on college and high school campuses in the 1980s, why the rights leading lights backed Apartheid South Africa, William F Buckley's disgusting writing on Nelson Mandela, Mandela's incredible capacity for forgiveness, the importance of sanctions and boycotts in ending Apartheid, President Obama speaks out on inequality, is it to little to late? Is Congress about to pass Fast Track trade authority and the endless failures of Neo-Liberal policy.

Tom Scharpling the host of the Best Show Ever, explains how he helped create the Majority Report, why before the invasion of Iraq there no real voices of dissent in mainstream, Sam's experience making A Bad Situationistwhy Tom is ending his show and Tom suggested the "boring" documentary Salinger.  

Bill O'Reilly calls Nelson Mandela a communist and Rick Santorum compares healthcare reform to Apartheid, a Random Rush and your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-6-13-Cliff_Schecter-Tom_Scharpling-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:16pm EDT

Josh Orton Political and communications Director for Progressives United explain what the corporate backed front group Third Way that has been attack Senator Warren, how Senator Warren responded to Third Way's attacks, the importance of holding Third Way and Democrats who support it accountable and why "New" Democrats are a relic of another era.

On The Better: why Martin Bashir was fired from MSNBC, how progressives are getting more aggressive, Random Rush,  and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-5-13-Josh_Orton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Chris Savage the  Editor of Eclecta Blog explains the new federal ruling that could slash Detroit's public pensions, Governor Rick Snyder's radical austerity policies, who is Detroit's Emergency Manager Kevin Orr? how the labor unions are working to protect pensions, how the big banks are brutally exploiting Detroit, selling off Detroit's public assets, what caused Detroit's financial collapse, why the neo-liberal attack on Detroit poses a danger for the rest of the country and the greater project privatization.

On The Better Half: Corporate shill "centrist" Democrats attack Senator Warren and take shadowy corporate money, a Tea Party writer says the Pope is making Jesus cry while other right-wingers think the Pope was flipped by the KGB, Scott Walker says to make a Holiday gift to his campaign and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-4-13-Chris_Savage-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:02pm EDT

Economist and co-author author of the new book The Benefits of Full Employment: When Markets Work for PeopleDean Baker explains what full employment means, why demand problems drive the modern economic crisis, economic myths feeding unemployment, all the many benefits of full employment, why government is pursuing anti employment policies, generational debt myths, what needs to be done to boost the economy now and why we need a weaker Dollar.

On The Better Half: Bill O'Reilly says the "War on Christmas is upon us again", Fox contributor says Obama wants young people dependent on their parents and government, and your calls and IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-3-13-Dean_Baker-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:34pm EDT

Geoff Mulgan author of The Locust and the Bee: Predators and Creators in Capitalism’s Future explains the different types of capitalism, why preparing the ground work for the next economy is essential for our economic and ecological future, what the current economic debate misses and addressing inequality in the future economy.

On The Better Half: the shadowy groups still trying to push war with Iran, what the minimum wage should be, Walmart workers protest Black for a Living Wage, how Walmart could pay living wage without raising prices and your IMs.

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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Direct download: 12-2-13-Geoff_Mulgan-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09pm EDT

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