On today's show Sam hosted Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. Stein outlined her proposals for a "Green New Deal" and explained why she thought Democratic Party was a dead end for progressive politics. But, Sam wondered if she was missing the lessons of the Bush era and wanted to know what the Green plan was for after the election.

In the Better Half: Sam reviewed Chris Matthew's epic take down of RNC chair Reince Priebus on Morning Joe and also noted some dull and disconnected conventional wisdom offered by Tom Brokaw and took your calls and IMS.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  And don't forget Sam is live every week day at noon. Thanks!

On today's show Sam and Cliff talked about the shooting outside of the Empire State Building, agreed that the NRA had more blood on its hands and discussed the need to get serious about Gun control. And poor Mitt Romney, Gawker now has their hands on his Bain documents and he can't get Todd Akin to drop out of his race.

Isabel Gillies and Sam talked about Elvis movies and she recommended the French film Un Secrete for our viewing pleasure.

And Sam went to your calls and IMS

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On today's show Sam talked with Educators Sarah Knopp and Jeff Bale, editors of the anthology Education and Capitalism: Struggles for Learning and Liberation, about the corporate assault on public on public schools, testing, class and social mobility and what the true purpose of education really is.

On the Better Half: Gawker gets its hands on troves of Bain documents detailing Romney's shady tax schemes, will a hurricane hit Tampa during the RNC? Sam drops a Barry White impression and also does a Random Rush.

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On today's show The Nation's Ari Berman joined Sam to discuss the latest news out of Pennsylvania where a state Judge has uphold the voter ID law and movement to protect voter rights is growing. Sam and Ari agreed that Democrats need to spend political capital on this issue for both moral and political reasons.

Sam was then joined by Slate and Pandagon contributing writer, Amanda Marcotte who explained that Todd Akin's rape comments are reflective of the thinking of the anti choice movement. She and Sam also noticed the disturbing new usage of the term "forcible rape" as if there was any other kind and Amanda chalked it up to the Christian Rights "magical" worldview.

And Sam reported on the latest finding on the CIA/NYPD Muslim surveillance program. One big takeaway: all that spying did not produce a single lead!

On today's show Harper's contributor writer and international legal expert Scott Horton spoke with Sam about the diplomatic standoff between Ecuador and the UK, why the UK's aggression is so unusual in this type of case and explained the difference between political and diplomatic immunity. Assange's US attorney, Michael Ratner told Sam that Sweden regularly sends investigators to other countries to question witnesses and suspects making it all the more suspicious that they would not send officials into the UK to question Assange. Sam and Michael also examined the broader implications of the crackdown on Wikileaks for press freedom.

In the Better Half:
Rogue Republican operative Roger Stone Alleges that the Koch brothers offered Romney more funding for PAC ads if he picked Ryan, Todd Akin's insane and cruel comments about rape, Sam reflects on being on UP With Chris Hayes yesterday and Republicans go skinny dipping in Israel and Sam doesn't care.

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Cliff tells us why he thinks Romney picked Paul Ryan. Joe Biden says that Social Security won't be touched and Sam and Cliff say that progressives should push the Obama Biden campaign to make the same commitments for Medicare and Medicade. Circumstantial evidence that Mitt Romney may have been part of a criminal tax avoidance scheme and Cliff gives two cable anchors credit for calling out Republican lies.

Hari Kondabolu writer for the new FX show Totally Biased joined Sam to give some movie recommendations, but before he could get to them Sam almost cost him his job. Hari said that we should check out Chris Rock'sGood Hair and the Bollywood movie Lagaan.

And Jimmy Reefercake has a new song for us.

On the Better Half:
Missouri Senate candidate says the federal government shouldn't give poor kids school lunches, Sam probably won't go to either of the conventions, but Mike from Florida thought he should and Sam explained the key differences between the Obama and Ryan Medicare plans.

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On today's show Sam reviewed the latest from the ongoing crises in the UK over the Assange extradition. The UK's threatens to invade the Ecuadorian embassy and a insightful New York Times piece focuses on the burning question of how Julian Assange was as a roommate.

We also heard an interview with the late David Rakoff right before the 2008 election and learned David's farsighted thoughts on poverty and homophobia in modern America.

On the Better Half: more on why Paul Ryan is good for the left, Hedge Fund manager John Taylor supports the Ryan budget but says Republicans should not talk about it in public in an amazing CNBC clip and Rand Paul is not a bright guy.

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On today's Show, Sam discussed a disturbing new referendum that could allow thousands of students to skip out on there science education in Missouri. Also a Pennsylvania Judge will notgrant
an injunction against the states voter ID laws and other news in voter suppression. Speaking of which a new Tufts University study shows that white people think they are more discriminated against than black people

On the Better Half:
Anne Romney gets a little edgy and says that we will not see anymore of Mitt's taxes and that her husband has "golden integrity." Mitt reaffirms in any interview that he approves of what comes out his mouth and Sam gets pretty deep into the wilderness with a Libertarian caller.

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On today’s show Sam talked about new research showing that banning junk in schools actually helps kids stay healthier (shocker). He also spoke with with progressive talk show host and anti mountain top removal activist Bob Kincaid, about the health and social justice crises in Applachia and the importance of getting Congress to act against mining interests.

In the Better Half: More on why Romney would actually pick Paul Ryan, the golden opportunity for progressives in the Ryan pick and Mitt Romney left his young ward in the Midwest and went to Florida to have a fundraiser with a convicted drug trafficker and much more.

Today Sam spoke with conservative talker, Malcolm Out Loud about "tough decisions" and the Ryan budget. Things didn't get very specific. Sam wondered if Romney picked Ryan because he thinks he is going to lose and asked why getting tough always meant punishing the middle class and the poor?

On the Better Half: was the Ryan pick a way to distract people from Romney's taxes? Also Tim Pawlenty was vetted by the Romney campaign and he said that he needed to hand over several years of tax returns to the Romney people (interesting). Also do Democrats have more details on Romney's shady taxes that they haven't leaked yet?

8/7/12

On today’s show, Journalist Elizabeth Cline, revealed some of the many costs of our addiction to cheap fashion. Sam talked with BuzzFeed’s Rosie Gray about the inner workings of the Tea Party and from the Majority Report archives, Professor David Graeber, talked about debts, markets and Occupy.

And from the Air America days a beautiful performance from the Cowboy Junkies.

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On today's show political maestro Cliff Schecter and Sam talked about why Senator Joe Manchin is just awful, the new employment numbers and why Harry Reid's attack on Mitt Romney is so smart. We also learned something unexpected about Cliff's past.

Sarah Silverman talked with Sam about his hair therapy regimen, meeting Al Gore after eating a pot cookie and recommended three movies: The controversial documentary the Staircase, the 1960s comedy Where's Poppa (or Going Ape), the indie drama Jesus's Son (with what Sarah says is an incredible performance from Dennis Leary) and Nora Ephron'sHeartburn.

And Sam took your calls and IMs, got an update on the possible endorsement of President Obama by former Republican Governor Charlie Crist and more comments on the job crises.

Glenn Greenwald was on the program today, talking about his new article the "Normalization of Extremism." Glenn and Sam talked about how policies once thought to be well outside of the mainstream such as torture and kill lists have become normalized in today's politics and how some of our worst cultural nightmares of a surveillance state are becoming true.

On The Better Half:

Sam talked about "hate a Gay eat a plastic chicken day" or as its also known Chick-fil-A appreciation day, Mitt Romney's absurd new ad on the auto bailout and reminisced about interviewing Gore Vidal and other greats in the Air America days

Former Tarp Inspector General, Neil Barofsky joined Sam to talk about his new book “Bailout: An Insider Account of How Washington Abandoned Main Street While Rescuing Wall Street.” Neil and Sam discussed the widespread fraud in the TARP program, how the HAMP program was designed to provide a "soft landing" for banks the revolving door between Washington and Wall Street and getting a "Bullet or Bribe" Colombian Drug Cartel Style offer from the former head of TARP Herb Allison

On the Better Half:

Sam talked about why you may be getting a rebate check from your insurance company because of the Affordable Care Act, the Romney campaign hits the trifecta with a new oversees embarrassment, Romney also took some time out to praise Israel's progressive National Health Care system and two new Appellate Court Rulings are in favor of the public not corporate special interests.

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Former NY Governor and host of View Point on Current TV, Eliot Spitzer discussed Tim Geithner's testimony at the LIBOR hearings last week, explained why self regulation of Wall Street is a failure and commented on former Citi CEO Sandy Weill''s voicing support for breaking up too big to fail banks. Also Mitt Romney is the most "awkward politician" Eliot Spitzer has ever seen.

In the better half: Sam celebrated the 47th anniversary of Medicare, discussed the fake Bill Keller column on Wikileaks and a real Bill Keller column calling for slashing social security. The fake one makes a lot more sense than the real one, and in Mississippi a Church refused to marry a black couple.

Cliff Schecter talks with Sam about Mitt Romney's week of disaster oversees and revisits the Chick-Fil-A saga. Film Guy Matthew recommendeda couple of gritty Brazilian movies, Elite Squad 1 and 2 that brought out his inner right winger.

In the Better Half: Sam talked about what might be an absolutely brutal leadership fight after the next election between Eric Cantor and John Boehner and your calls and IMs

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Matt Taibbi talks with Sam about the Audit the FED bill that passed the house and the lack of media coverage the last time around, why Guy Lawson’s book Octopus is so good atexplaining how Wall street works and a revealing interview Thomas Friedman did with a tough radio host in New Zealand.

On the better half
After calling for a Police general strike in favor of gun control, Mike Bloomberg endorses anti gun control Scott Brown for Senate. A new study concludes that Medicare saves lives (shocker) and 2012 is the hottest year on record in the United States. You will never believe what Mitt Romney said to the Brits about the Olympics.

On today's show Sam discussed the string of scandals rocking the Philadelphia charter school system, Pennsylvania Republicans continued to push voter purge bills And Peter Orszag writes an incredibly disingenuous argument for privatizing the Postal Service.

In the better half, Sam talked about Romney backer Suzy Welch saying Obama comes from the "other" America and a Romney aide speaking off the record in the UK saying that Obama doesn't respect our "Anglo Saxon Heritage." Wonder what they're referring to?

Hullabaloo blogger Digby (@digby56) joined us today to talk the Dems plans for the fiscal cliff showdown, and the renewed drive to cut Social Security and Medicare.

In the better half, Sam talked the surge in gun sales in Colorado, Fox hosts two little girls to explain Republican economic policy and Bloomberg calls for a strike.

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, talks NRA in wake of shooting rampage in Aurora, calls out right-wing  Chick-fil-A chain (not a pop singer!) and indulges in weekly Romney bashing. And Isabel Gillies delivers this week's film pick (surprise, surprise!).

Glen Ford, editor of Black Agenda Report, on destructive policies of the Obama administration, the quiescent Left and the collapse of the Black community's voice in opposing this President. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Stephen Kohn from the National Whistleblowers Center on FDA's surveillance of whistleblowing scientists; the invasive email dump, an enemies list and other elements of the case. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

David Dayen from Firedoglake News discusses California's Prop 32, the ballot initiative to divest unions of their political voice under guise of "campaign finance reform".  Prop 32 goes before voters in November. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Acclaimed writer Tom Junod on the targeted killing, drone strikes, capture and kill wars begun by Bush but given a legal and moral apparatus by Obama.  His Esquire article, "The Lethal Presidency of Barack Obama."  LIsten LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Investigative journalist Guy Lawson on his book, Octopus: Sam Israel, the Secret Market, and Wall Street's Wildest Con.  Also, interviews from Netroots Nation, EJ Graff (@ejgraff) from American Prospect and Susie Sampson(@susiesampson) from Tea Party Report.

Physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Steven Weinberg, on Higgs boson particle, today's attitude toward science and implications of not funding big science.   His latest book, Lake Views: This World and the Universe.  And, from Netroots Nation, Forrest Brown, from  Progressive Change Campaign Committee.

Techdirt's Mike Masnick on Ron and Rand Paul's "Internet Freedom" manifesto, which goes against what most Internet freedom advocates support.  Also, the tug-of-war over net neutrality, regulatory control of the internet and safeguarding innovation.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Plaintiff attorney Christopher Paulos from Levin Papantonio on crooked culture of  pharmaceutical industry and recent GlaxoSmithKline settlement.  Also, pay slashed to minimum wage for city employees in Scranton, Romney weekend fundraisers and Obama tax cuts.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Sam and Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC look to FDR & history in Obama assessment, talk jobs numbers and pick the low hanging fruit from the Romney campaign tree.  Also, Jonathan Krohn, former conservative wunderkind has movie picks.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST) 

Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone on LIBOR banking scandal as Barclays implicates British Government and scale of cartel style, market manipulation by players worldwide is unveiled.  Also, Higgs boson, major discovery! Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Bill Scher executive editor at Liberal Oasis and Sam have a lively debate about the virtues of the Obama Administration.  Also, in Occupy news, Occupy Philly in action, tweets of Brooklyn Bridge Occupy protester threatened and jailed Duarte Square protester on a hunger strike. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Producer and director David Van Taylor on judicial confirmation wars and his film Advise and Dissent: where the Supreme Court and politics collide. And a surprise call from Sen Kathy "Janeane Garofalo" Harriss.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Ari Berman, author of Herding Donkey's on SCOTUS v. Affordable Care Act: the votes of the Justices, the impact on reputation of the Court, mobilization of the Right and implications for Medicaid.  Also, voter suppression, the Voting Rights Act and the DOJ.  And joining us with a Friday movie pick, comedian Michael Ian Black. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

The Supreme Court upholds the Individual Mandate of Affordable Care Act.  Law Professor Amanda Frost talks semantics of ruling, implications of commerce clause and offers early thoughts about ramifications going forward.  Oops, CNN gets it wrong. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Author of What's the Matter with Kansas Thomas Frank revisits the conservative state of Kansas where the wealthy are excused from income tax and the tea party agenda is in full swing.  Also, Ted Alexandro reports from Occupy CITI.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Lori Wallach from Public Citizen on the secret negotiations of the far-reaching Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) "free trade" agreement.   It's globalization on steroids - and you're not supposed to know about it.  And, in advance of Thursday's Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act we revisit Sam's March interview with law professor Amanda Frost.

Middle East expert Juan Cole on Egyptian elections and the country's political landscape; agenda of Muslim Brotherhood and what their victory means for the country.  You may be surprised. Also, three important Supreme Court rulings today: reversal of Montana's anti-Citizens United stance, life without parole sentences for juveniles unconstitutional and federal law trumps in Arizona's SB1070 or "if you're-brown-you-have-a-problem" law. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC on the NRA, ATF and brouhaha over Fast & Furious, the divisive 5:4 decisions of Robert’s court and the question: why don’t liberals care about SCOTUS? And back in rotation, Film Guy Matthew Weiss with a thoughtful and apropos movie review.  And, pot or crack – which is more harmful; DEA flummoxed. Romeny’s such a prankster and you’ll get a time-out if you say Vagina!  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Chris Hayes of UP with Chris Hayes speaks with Sam about his new book , Twighlight of the Elites and on the iron law of meritocracy, cult of smart, the race for the inner ring and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Author, historian and columnist Rick Perlstein on political maneuvering in the mid-west, Republican bullying tactics and the confusion over Democratic Party principles, why the Left isn't represented.  And, Romney just not getting click-thrus. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Environmental activist Bill McKibben, 350.org, talks Tim DeChristopher, Key Stone XL pipeline and calls out the Fossil Fuel industry for taking massive federal subsidies.  Dave Zirin on powerful political voice of athletes, suicide rates of retired NFL players and more. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Abe Bonowitz from the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty on waning support for capital punishment policy, the devastating emotional toll and the truth about its costs. Also, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown on the fiscal cliff, Bush tax cuts, the financial fraud task force and more in a wide ranging discussion. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC talks the Worst and the Best of Obama this week:  Trans-Pacific Partnership and DREAM ACT-LITE.  Also, Darcy Burner stands up for women!  And Isabel Gillies on her power shrink, trip to Brazil and finally.....a review.  Plus, Jeff Smith, OWS media team, reports on D17 trial of Occupy Wall Street participants arrested protesting Trinity Church's real estate holdings in NYC. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST).

Joel Rubin from Ploughshares Fund discusses Iran; the nuclear program, the negotiations and cyber warfare.  Also, cold war doctrine dictates U.S. nuclear strategy and GOP resistance to reducing nukes.   And for members, talking with blogger Jesse LaGreca(@JesseLaGreca) and marriage equality activist and author Zach Wahls (@zachwahls).

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on authorization of Kill List, Citizens United SCOTUS embarrassment and opportunities in Grand Bargain.  And, best Banking Committee JPMorgan can buy, Jamie Dimon testifies on Capitol Hill.  Listten LIVE on Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Eliot Spitzer, former governor and Viewpoint host, on Dems strong negotiating position in face of fiscal cliff; expiration of Bush tax cuts and debt ceiling vote, especially given Republican discomfort with current deal triggering automatic cuts to federal spending.  Also, DOJ's willful resistance to take on important prosecutions.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Syria and latest on Middle East jockeying with National Security Network Executive Director Heather Hurlburt and Matt Duss, Director of Middle East Progress at Center for American Progress. Why Turkey must get involved, Russia's role and the region's sectarian divide.  Also, talking serious environmental and food supply threat from Pebble Mine Project in Alaska,blogger and podcaster Shannyn Moore. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley talks banking reform and good process government. Other guests include, Cliff Schecter from Libertas, Gaius Publius and Joe Sudbay from AMERICAblog, blogger Marcie Wheeler from Empty Wheet and senior policy editor at Daily Kos, Joan McCarter and Ari Berman from the Nation. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Sam reports LIVE from Netroots Nation and talks with Adam Green co-founder of Progressive Change Campaign Commettee, Pat Garofalo, economics editor at Think Progress, live streamer Tim Pool, David Dayen from Firedoglake, Majority Report Tech Guru Kyle Shank and a long time listener is unveiled....hint: it's not Eddie Pepitone!

Ruth Conniff, The Progressive political editor, on Wisconsin recall election results.  How out of state money, tactics that stirred resentment and Democratic party ambivalence pushed Walker to victory. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

On day of WI Recall we discuss Detroit, where American Dream and middle class flourished, now is canary in coal mine for all U.S. cities.  Filmmaker Heidi Ewing on her new film Detropia, a haunting look at the iconic American city.  Also, Jamie Kilstein from Citizen Radio petitions to fight Jonah Goldberg -- for charity! Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Huffington Post's Amanda Terkel in Wisconsin reporting on tightening recall race.  Both sides are energized, sending in big name supporters: Bill Clinton, Chuck Norris andSarah Palin and the outcome could result in a party split for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Also, Honeywell’s -.7% tax rate while CEO takes home $37 million. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, discusses the distortion of John Edwards infraction and implications of Bill Clinton's support of Bain.  Plus, Josh Orton on the road inWisconsin with debate results and latest in Walker's John Doe scandal.  And Matt comes through with a movie review.  Also, Sam on Rick Scott's push to purge Florida's voting rolls.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Journalists Manissa Maharawal and Zoltan Gluck report on growing student protests in Quebec, mobilization of neighborhoods, Bill 78 and reflections on Occupy Wall Street. And author of Tasteful Nudes, Dave Hill, belatedly delivers his movie recommendation. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Sam breaks down parameters of the Kill List highlighting what's not in the New York Times article: targeted killing (who qualifies?), strike zone (defined boundaries?), Terror Tuesdays (who's in, who's out).  And attacks on Chris Hayes sticking in Sam's craw.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Venture capitalist and entrepreneur Nick Hanauer on his banned TED talk, why trickle-down economics doesn't work and the why middle class are the true job creators.   Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Cliff Schecter, from Libertas LLC, on the free gun giveaway, the tax rate game of chicken and the Dems slow drift right.  And Dave Hill talks being Santa and hockey fisticuffs.  Check out his book, Tasteful Nudes.

NSA whistle-blower Thomas Drake and Jesselyn Radack, DOJ whistle blower, on the government's intimidation and personal destruction of whistle-blowers.  The Espionage Act, secret signing statements and  how Obama has outdone Bush in squashing informants.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Academy Award winning filmmaker, Charles Ferguson on the corruption of American politics, banking and academia.  The origins, the disillusion and the solution.  And, Canadian student protests reach day 100, Bill O'Reilly blows lid off Occupy and 70k extra in your bank account - what to do? Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Ryan Grim from the Huffington Post reports on the smear campaign waged by industry tainted regulators to unseat Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Gregory Jaczko.  The personal assassination and the twist as Jaczko waits the appointment of a successor.  Also, perhaps the most telling statistics ever on how income disparity hurts Social Security.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm at 12-noon (EST)

5/21/12

Jeff Smith, Occupy Wall Street media team, reports on NATO Summit protests in Chicago.  The overblown police presence, the entrapment and decorated War Veterans return medals.  Plus, Corey Booker lashes out then backpedals and JP Morgan Chase losses mount.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, with news highlights from the week.  GOP strategy clashes with agenda of elite puppeteers.  Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Joe Ricketts, Romney's flip flop and Matt Miller's BS.  Plus, Jon Benjamin reviews movies, sort of.  Also, Obama on Arizona ballot - leave it to a Birther. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST). 

Alec Loorz, high school senior, climate activist and founder of Kids vs. Global Warming began speaking out at 12 yrs old.  Now he’s the lead plaintiff in ground breaking suit against the government.  He talks about his work, basis for the lawsuit and how youth across the country are responding. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Joel Rubin from Ploughshares Fund on Iranian nuclear capability, their goals, U.S. goals and how we track enrichment activity.  Also, the cold war mentality guiding the US nuclear weapons agenda.  Plus,  Florida denies driver's license to gay couple.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Matt Taibbi from Rolling Stone on JP Morgan Chase's 2 billion dollar loss, banking regulation nitty-gritty and the outlook for the Too Big To Fail -- even bigger now.  Also, Jeff Smith from OWS on actions in Chicago during NATO Summit. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

JP Morgan Chase's massive loss, Jamie Dimon's "mulligan", Colin Powell's leadership motto, psychopaths roaming free on Wall Street and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, on gun insanity in America, Romney as bully, Biden’s marriage equality push and more.  Plus, Air America alumna Lizz Winstead reminisces with Sam and provides a movie pick.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12 noon (EST)

Marine Master Sgt Jerry Ensminger on water supply contamination at Camp Lejeune that poisoned a million people.  His story, the military's shocking reaction and what is happening today.  

Also, in the Better Half for members, filmmakers Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce on We're Not Broke a look at how multinational corporations are gaming the tax system at the expense of the public and the U.S. economy.

Our guy in Wisconsin, Josh Orton on state election results, Democratic pick Mayor Barrett will face Scott Walker in recall election, how money figures into recall and a look at Nancy Pelosi's position on Simpson-Bowles.  Plus, Richard Lugar loses long held Senate seat and North Carolina bans same-sex marriage. 

Author Eyal Press on what makes ordinary people stand up with moral courage against popular tide especially at great personal risk? His book, Beautiful Souls: Saying No, Breaking Ranks, and Heeding the Voice of Conscience in Dark Times.  Also, Jay! Tomlinson, of Best of the Left, on Our Blue Media.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Todd Gitlin, former SDS leader and author of Occupy Nation, on 4 essential points to understand about OWS, the movement's need for organized intention and how OWS serves the Left.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC discussing the week's politics, today comparing and contrasting Obama with FDR, looking at the different contexts that influenced their political choices.  Isabel Gillies brings her movie pic and Jeff Smith on Police Reform Organizing Project. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Columnist, professor and author Eric Alterman on American Liberalism today: social demands v. economic ones.  Where the Left is dropping the ball and steps to regaining the balance.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Former Senator Russ Feingold on Citizens United and the partisan make-up of the Supreme Court.  And Alexis Goldstein on Occupy the SEC, the Volker Rule and May Day.  Plus, yesterday was Loyalty Day and in the better half, Romney’s gay foreign policy adviser sacked, “mission accomplished” and a recap of massive May Day marches. 

On this May Day 2012 Sam goes down to Bryant Park to talk with marchers, protesters and those out to celebrate the rights of workers.

Glenn Greenwald from Salon on liberty and justice for some, the government's attitude toward torture and destruction of evidence, the failure to enforce criminal accountability for government officials and the prosecution of whistle blowers.  Also, from Occupy Wall Street's media team Jeff Smith reports on the movement's plans for May Day 2012. 

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC and the discussion is all about the splintering of America.  Plus, Film Guy Matthew Weiss with a flick recommendation and words of wisdom to kick off your weekend. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Mike Sacks, Huffington Post SCOTUS correspondent, on oral arguments addressing controversial Arizona immigration law SB1070.  Also, from The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel discusses relentless attacks on women's rights.  "Rupert Murdoch" calls in, Pennsylvania as petri dish for fracking industry, Mark Rubio's speech gaffe and defense for Bradley Manning pushes for fair trial.  Your calls and IMs.

Climatologist and director of Earth System Science Center Dr. Michael Mann on the Conservative smear campaign to discredit climate scientists, distract the public and the dire consequences.  Also, science as contact sport and his book The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars.  

Social insurance, who benefits and who loses from the success/failure of Social Security? How healthy is the Trust Account and why the program's obligations cannot add to the deficit.  Also, details on the BP Settlement from attorney Brian Barr.  

Noted economist and author James K. Galbraith on rise of inequality in America, the financialization of our system, its inherent instability and the bloated scale of the financial sector.  Also, illegal shenanigans by WalMart in Mexico and tax exempt ALEC lobbies hard.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm M-F 12:00pm (EST)

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, and Sam in Vegas talk America's #1 world ranking in civilian gun ownership, Romney's cookie-gate, Ted Nugent and more.  Jimmy Reefercake delivers his final song of the week. Listen LIVE M-F at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Sam in Vegas for Mass Torts.  Ari Berman, the Nation & Herding Donkeys, on Federal Judiciary; political leaning of SCOTUS; impact of next Presidential election and Obama indifference toward record Federal Bench vacancies.  Plus, attorney James Kauffman on details of Jobs Bill. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Writer and Citizen Radio co-host Allison Kilkenny talks Occupy Wall Street; 'sleepful protests', NYPD and May Day preparations.  Also, who is the 99% Spring?  In the better half, Ed Wytkind, AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department President on stymied Transportation Bill; the real threat to Mass Transit and our economy.

Chris Hayes from UP w/ Chris Hayes with an examination of meritocracy, the self correcting power of democracy and his forthcoming book Twilight of the Elites.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Hullabaloo blogger Digby recaps last week's "news"; the Hilary Rosen/working moms kerfuffle, more anti-woman legislation in Arizona, sexism at Augusta, racism hobby-ist John Derbyshire, commies in Congress and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Author Thomas Frank on the crisis of accountability plaguing our nation.  How the elite handle crisis management, the corrupting force of money and the complete collapse of professional ideals.   His Huffington Post article"Too Smart to Fail: Notes on an Age of Folly".  In the better half, Truth-out reporter, Jason Leopold, on government's role stifling Occupy Wall Street.

Economics professor Bill Lazonick discusses 50 year of changing corporate behavior, the impact on our society and economy.   Plus, Mac McClelland goes undercover to unveil warehouse working conditions for workers delivering our internet goods.  Hard labor, long shifts, low wages and dehumanizing conditions the order of the day.  And for members, Ron Pollack, Families USA, talks the Affordable Care Act and the individual mandate.

Jessica Valenti, feminist blogger, talks sexual messaging and our young girls, the failed abstinence only eduction and purity balls.  And why controlling women works for conservatives.  Also, Progressive Caucus co-chair Keith Ellison(D-MN), his goals for strengthening the movement.  In the better half,  author and Center for Public Integrity senior analyst Wendell Potter on the Affordable Care Act and the state of the health care insurance industry.

Writer Chris Mooney on his book The Republican Brain: The Science of Why they Deny Science and Reality.  He examines conservative brain characteristics, the role played in shaping today's Right/Left divide and what the Left needs to learn.  Also Taggart Siegel and Jon Betz on the global bee crisis.  Their movie Queen of the Sun examines why bees are disappearing worldwide and what can be done to save the population.

Cornell Economics professor Robert H. Frank on the conflict over consumption and competition.  Does competition contribute to progress? He explains Darwin's role and the Progressive Consumption Tax.   His book the Darwin Economy: Liberty, Competition, and the Common Good.

Economics professor Daron Acemoglu on political and economic failure; how cultural values factor in and the role of the institution.  His latest book, Why Nations Fail: the Origins of Power, Prosperity & Poverty. And, in the better half, members will hear Aaron Smith (@YI_Care) of Young Invincibles talk on protecting Health Care access for younger generations.

Representing plaintiffs in NDAA case against government, civil rights attorney Bruce Afran on why the law is unconstitutional and how NDAA threatens the rights of every citizen.  Did congress understand the Act before signing it into law? And it’s the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

It’s official – Curveball, aka Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi, lied to get the US into war and US doctored graphics to make the case more compelling.  SCOTUS rules strip searches ok for EVERYONE and Sam on why conservatives hate science. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Sam comments on upheaval at Current and our man in Wisconsin Josh Orton with news of recalls, the GOP strategy involving fake democrats and tacking further right, Romney loses with women. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, talks all the week's news; Trayvon Martin killing, SCOTUS and the antagonistic divide between Right and Left.  Plus on the links sharing his day of golf, Richard Kind has our movie review. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Mother Jones reporter Adam Serwer reports on SCOTUS v Obamacare; the poor analogies, Limiting Principle, the Individual Mandate (is it severable?) and the effect of court’s partisan make-up.  Plus, Spain’s general strike and Occupy’s NYC subway fare action.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Interviews from Sam's coverage of SCOTUS v Obamacare.  Iowa Senator Tom Harkin on how Democrats should sell Affordable Care Act and the prospect of unconstitutional ruling on Individual Mandate and cancer survivor Spike Ward on her personal experience.  In the better half, healthcare advocate Ethan Rome on the benefits of the ACA. What people aren't understanding about the Act.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Law Professor Amanda Frost breaks down Obamacare SCOTUS case, outlines legal and political implications. Also, writer, blogger Richard (RJ) Eskow on Jobs Act, how it strips investor protections and who's funding the bi-partisan push. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)