“The Godfather” movies are on the short list of the most consequential American films ever, not just for their cinematic quality but because they’ve become a textbook for politics as well. In this episode Scott and Bob celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the release of the movie with a discussion of the way the movie is a deep analysis of American capitalism and politics.
Listen in: https://apple.co/3vcIXjG
We talk about the way Don Corleone wielded power, the relationship between the mob and “legitimate” businesses, the attempt to break into the Cuban market, the Corleone influence in Las Vegas, and so much more.
For many years, black and brown Americans living in cities, towns and rural areas across the nation have rightfully been afraid of uniformed officers. Far too often, police officers engage in indefensible violence against the very people they are supposed to serve and protect.
Listen in here:https://apple.co/3sfmK3R
The long arm (and brutal violence) of the law also extends to homeless populations, the mentally ill, sex workers, people facing eviction, protestors, workers on strike and many others. This is a result of the emergence of the new Gilded Age brought on by austerity and ever-widening economic gaps.
We talk with Professor Alex Vitale (@avitale) at Brooklyn College about policing in our current state of affairs. We discuss the need for police, how liberal politicians continue to support the police (as well large numbers of rank and file Democrats, according to polls) and the influence and role of police unions. We also get into the “Defund the Police” movement, the backlash against it, the war on drugs, gun control and how the current debate around police is effected by rising homicide rates.
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