Forward Nation Radio

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:     Dave talks about how recent events have given him something he has had little cause to feel over the waking nightmare of the Trump years: reason for hope. Like for someone seeing light at the end of a very dark tunnel, these are particularly perilous times. We discuss the reasons for hope and those for caution in the latest Supreme Court ruling against Trump and his racism, and for the Dreamers. What to make of the second Supreme Court ruling in just over a week that is cause for celebration? We find more reason for hope and caution in the latest polls that do not look good for Trump and in Trump's latest moves towards totalitarianism in firing the US Attorney for the Southern District of NY for not quite tailoring the law to the satisfaction of Trump and his cronies. We also examine the hopeful and perilous signs in the latest on COVID and the protests for racial and social justice. Finally, we ask what you do with all the leftover red mea

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   We discuss a great way to celebrate Pride Month, as the US Supreme Court issues a shocking and dramatic decision that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act bars discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender. Don't get your hopes up about the Supreme Court, however. There is no reason to expect it will now protect civil rights or develop integrity; it's more like road kill for an unstoppable and too-long-denied force for social progress.   Dave takes that same sentiment to his discussions of the week in social justice protests. We start with a reminder that Governor Cuomo of NY has only looked so great these past weeks because he is being compared to trump, a "leader" without brains or empathy still relying on calls to racists such as scheduling his white supremacist rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa. Cuomo telling protesters to go home because they had already won was like a hockey team declaring victory and going home after a first pe

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Peaceful worldwide pro-justice protests continue. Could this be different from protests past and lead to real systemic change? There are reasons to hope. Protests begin to force change, but need to break down the blue wall that puts police across the nation above the law. Trump and the police respond by reasserting that that is where they intend to stay. We need to force accountability, and then we need to keep marching right into the voting booths in November.   Meanwhile the President continues to demonstrate the strong, decisive, principled, and honest leadership that this country needs in times...oh, never mind. At least he reminds us that in republican circles, only corporations and rich people get constitutional rights as he fires on peaceful protesters so he can get a photo op with a--wait for it--bible! On second thought, can't we just lock him in his bunker and forget about him? The media gets all excited over some cracks in Trump's cul

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Protests erupt around the world following the police killing of George Floyd, just the latest (or is it?) unjustified police killing of a black person. Even as ultraconservatives  infiltrate the ranks of the protesters to try to discredit them, the battle lines for 2020 are made clear. Those who protest for justice, equality, fairness vs. those who protest in favor of white privilege and the right to harm others. Guess which side our President is on?  In case it wasn't clear before, he again makes clear his penchant for violence and desire to see his political rivals murdered. Speaking of murder, Trump calls former Republican congressman and current MSNBC commentator Joe Scarborough a murderer. Do we even need to note it's not true? This is the President of the United States. But of course, there is so much he needs to deflect our intention from, including his allowing the first successful foreign-engineered terrorist attack in the US since 9/11.

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Trump uses hydrochloroquine, which might lead us to conclude it rots the brain. Further contravening his own administration, he won't wear masks; no need to listen to experts when you don't care how you hurt others. And more on Trump's efforts to solidify his claim to greatest American-killer of them all! We discuss the latest on Trump's efforts to not just kill Americans, but to kill America itself. He continues to ramp up his war on American civil society, law and order, and democracy. Even after his most recent Inspector General firing, another blatant cover-up of his criminal administration, we continue to indicate that we just don't appreciate the severity of the threat. We get closer to having an answer to the question of what civil minds will do when he and his criminal organization squash any semblance of democracy to steal the 2020 elections.  Finally, we examine the role of the media in the age of the two existential threats: COVID-19

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:     Moving further down the totalitarian road, Trump indicates the law is not something he needs to be burdened by. The Justice Department throws in the towel in a game it has already won, by seeking to drop its criminal case against Michael Flynn after he has twice pled guilty. This assault on the law and the US is far worse than is being portrayed (and it's not being portrayed as so great, either). This while Trump argues in the US Supreme Court that he is above the law. The fateful question is whether the Court will even bother to try to hide its naked partisanship as it engages in its naked partisanship. Also in Supreme Court news, the Supreme Court hears arguments in a case in which it will likely rule that support for slave owners is the only existing rationale for our electoral college system. (Other than the high principle of continuing to let unqualified republicans win presidential elections they have lost.)  Trump declares war on Obama

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion: We discuss that the "leader of the free world" suggested injecting disinfectants as a possible solution to a deadly global pandemic.  (Then we discuss the fact that we really had to write that sentence.)      We note some of the latest Trump moves to eliminate facts, reason, science, and oversight from the US government, with the help of his criminal organization (the GOP). Speaking of tools, GOP governors prepare to open their states, while GOP cult followers and religious zealots (ie, tools) are told to protest against public health measures, and do so, at tremendous cost to public health. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Moscow Mitch continues to fight the Civil War, attacking as fiscally irresponsible the blue states that feed his own, even while his criminal organization diverts Cares Act money to themselves and to wealthy contributors. In sum, the GOP continues to show that thousands of dead Americans and billions of stolen relief are a pric

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Adding insult to injury, corporations start running coronavirus-themed ads. Hearing bullshit from selfish, greedy entities with no concern for the welfare of anyone but themselves and who, in many cases, are responsible for exacerbating the crisis, is...well, kind of like listening to a Republican politician. But seriously, having to listen to VW commiserate with us on our breathing problems is not just Orwellian, it is so perfectly in the moment! We commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. We really can't say "celebrate" as November may just about end any lingering possibility we might be able to celebrate a 100th. But we are so excited to be able to report on some good news: despite their latest voter suppression efforts, including essentially threatening would-be voters with death, Trump gets his ass handed to him in Wisconsin. What does that mean for November? It means the GOP will redouble its efforts to cheat to steal the election. I

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   We continue our discussions of what the coronavirus and our pathetic response to it should teach us about the issues that will be at stake in the 2020 election. The first is all about the wisdom of reelecting a narcissistic, ignorant, incompetent criminal...or criminal organization full of them. More information emerges about just how pathetic Trump's "response" to the crisis has been. Any thinking person will not be surprised; any trump supporter will not be interested. Will it matter to whatever is left in between the two?  We also talk about the GOP's escalating war on democracy.  Wisconsin was just the tip of the iceberg, as Republicans have demonstrated that they will use the coronavirus to assist their efforts to suppress voting.  Make no mistake that the 2020 elections will be all about this war on democracy; Anyone who thinks shame or hypocrisy will limit the blatant criminality has really not been paying attention.  The Supreme Court sh

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   We talk about the impact Bernie Sanders has had on the Democratic party and the need to fight to keep the movement going. Sanders showed it is possible to inspire people and a political movement by taking on the establishment and actually trying to make a positive difference in people's lives. Now we will see if it can inspire enough people to make real change. Democrats need to all rally behind presumptive nominee Joe Biden to defeat Trump and save this country. Then progressives need to stay behind Biden to push him to further an agenda that fulfills this country's ideals.     Meanwhile, Republicans continue to show that we are fighting for this country's life. Their voter suppression hits a new level as they demonstrate a willingness to kill people during a pandemic for having the nerve to vote. We can never forget that this criminal organization will do whatever is necessary, and destroy whatever it must, in order to preserve its power. That

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   As people get sick and die in tragically escalating numbers, and as the economic devastation surpasses historic proportions, the Republican criminal organization sees and seizes the opportunity to enrich itself. Donald Trump and his criminal ilk show they are not willing to serve in wars, but they sure are willing to profit off of the deaths of others. Another reminder of the extent to which this is just a criminal organization masquerading as a political party, Will we ever come to grips with just how low they will go? This leads us to say that in one respect it is a good thing that Trump is the President at this time and in position not to lead. If a Democrat were President, the GOP would be doing everything it could to make the crisis even worse before the 2020 election. Yeah, they're that low; just look at recent history. We also talk about how the minority party (based on votes) continues to make efforts to steal the federal judiciary for a

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   You probably haven't been hearing much about the coronavirus, so Dave weighs in to help remind you why it pays to have a President, while Trump reminds everyone why he is so tragically not up to the job. Dave also talks about the lessons of the global pandemic; that is, the political lessons even bigger than the current moment.  We also spend a few minutes on the dramatic events of the last week in the race for the Democratic nomination, and what it means that Joe Biden is almost certain to be the Democratic nominee. RIP Bernie, your lessons live on!   *Also available on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher-Please SUBSCRIBE   THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS Forward Nation Radio with Professor David Leventhal    If you love what you heard, Like Us and share on Facebook - Instagram - Twitter

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:     In Part 2 of our analysis of the recent debates, Dave gives his take on the important questions and answers. We delve into the bigger picture underlying these issues.  On the menu are the cozy ties between prosecutors, police and politicians; why unions are wrong to be fighting to preserve their current health care; stop and frisk; public figure transparency; taxes, taxes, taxes; climate change; the plight of small businesses; education; the filibuster; coronavirus; and Russia.  Know all you need to know...in about a half an hour!     *Also available on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher-Please SUBSCRIBE   THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS Forward Nation Radio with Professor David Leventhal    If you love what you heard, Like Us and share on Facebook - Instagram - Twitter

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   The latest on the coronavirus and its spread across the globe into a global pandemic. The Trump administration shows us why competent government matters, by showing we don't have it right now. Maybe Americans will start believing that "I'm from the government and I'm here to help" aren't such terrifying words after all; unless they are uttered by a member of the Trump administration. Mike Pence is put in charge of protecting the American public, so get ready to pray. Dave also gives his take on the state of the Democratic race to succeed Donald Trump and remind us what competent government can do. Before the Dems can take on Trump, however, they first take on Bernie Sanders and Mike Bloomberg. Dave gives part 1 of his analysis of the issues raised in the most recent Democratic debates.    *Also available on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher-Please SUBSCRIBE   THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS Forward Nation Radio with Professor David Leventhal 

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Trump continues his march to totalitarianism.  To what must be the shock, shock, of his Republican enablers who argued that impeachment would rein-in Trump's lawlessness when they would not (talking to you, Susan Collins), Trump has already made it crystal clear that his lawlessness will not be curtailed. We talk about some of the events of the past week that show Trump's march to totalitarianism, with the help of a complicit criminal organization. Dave discusses the latest on Russia's efforts to help him and his co-conspirators steal the 2020 elections, and Trump's anger at his intelligence agencies' efforts to stop it. If Dems are really serious about beating Trump, maybe they should nominate Vladimir Putin; who better to beat him than the one who puts him there? Also, Trump clemency and pardons indicate that he believes he is now the law.  White collar crime is not a crime, and nothing is a crime if it is carried out by someone willing to say

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Events of the past week demonstrate that this country is at civil war. Fortunately, it is a cold war, for now, but it does not help things that one political party--the one that isn't a criminal organization--seems not to realize it. Our final words on impeachment as the cover-up is completed. Dave also opines on Trump's State of the Union and other recent speeches and actions and how they all promote the GOP's civil war. Those GOP members trying to make excuses for their treasonous behavior have their talking points refuted in real time by a President who doesn't understand the concept of learning. Trump's purges and rhetoric demonstrate that one thing he does understand is totalitarianism.  We also note, in a humorous way, that the President of the United States still seems to know very little about the country he is supposed to be leading.   *Also available on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher-Please SUBSCRIBE   THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITI

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:     Dave focuses on the tragedy that is the impeachment hearings, where Republicans show there is no level to which they will not sink to protect their criminal president. Even with shocking recent revelations further nailing down the open-and-shut case against Trump, the GOP refuses to call witnesses or conduct an actual trial, and one of the greatest cover-ups in US history nears completion.  The mind just cannot contemplate what is plainly in front of us; that this country is descending into totalitarianism. To those who are not afraid, we point out that you should be. A criminal organization as one of our two political parties is scary; that same criminal organization with the levers of democracy is the stuff of nightmares. With blatant criminal conduct thus rewarded, there will be no constraints on Republicans' assault on democracy. Also, the coronavirus coming out of China gives us more reason to be afraid. The tragic irony is that however

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   The impeachment cover-up proceeds at breakneck pace. Republicans do not bother to even give the appearance of propriety, but are perfectly happy to operate their criminal enterprise in full daylight. What that says about them and the supporters of this criminal organization. As far as the impeachment itself, its merits only get clearer and clearer; this week, with the testimony and release of documents by Giuliani "associate" and obvious thug Lev Parnas. Trump is in the laughable position of having his association with nothing but petty criminals and thugs be his best defense to their testimony against him! We also discuss the most recent Democratic debate and how it shows tremendous unity among the Democrats in their support of progressive policy positions...thanks in large part to Bernie Sanders with a big assist from Elizabeth Warren. Also, how the debate shows tremendous contrast between the Democratic party's efforts to promote the interests

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   Dave provides his thoughts on our blundering into war with Iran. As we contemplate Donald Trump's strategy in assassination a revered Iranian general, we have a chance to review different types of planning, and consider the fact that our President is incapable of any of them. Sure, he is only disposed to consider his own interests in everything he does, but is he capable of advancing even those? One thing is for certain; he is not advancing the interests of anyone else other than our enemies. We also talk about how Trump's march to war with Iran should not obscure the other wars he has been waging throughout his presidency; wars on decency, humanity, truth, reason, the interests of the United States...and of course our planet.     *Also available on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher-Please SUBSCRIBE   THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS Forward Nation Radio with Professor David Leventhal    If you love what you heard, Like Us and share on Facebo

THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS This Week’s Discussion:   In response to listeners' requests, we have put up our special "12 Days of Trump Christmas" by itself, for those who would like to share it without all the brain-draining stuff. Although we retain our copyright, we happily extend our permission to share it and use it for personal use  (ie, we're okay with your making it your ringtone.)   Our next regularly-scheduled (maybe not so regularly) will be up very soon!    *Also available on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher-Please SUBSCRIBE   THE HOME FOR PROGRESSIVE POLITICS Forward Nation Radio with Professor David Leventhal    If you love what you heard, Like Us and share on Facebook - Instagram - Twitter