Kerala: People's Movement

Barbara Chasin and Dick Franke tell David Foote about the State of Kerala in southern India. For a few decades a communist party has been in charge. Health and literacy statistics are excellent for a low-income area. Power has devolved to local governments and assemblies. Food is grown locally and necessities manufactured locally, often by cooperatives. Both existing health clinics and trust in local government has helped Kerala weather the COVID-19 crisis. Recorded June 2, 2020.

Mutual Aid Tompkins

Juliana Garcia and Matt Stupak tell David Foote about Mutual Aid Tompkins. Volunteer community members help fill basic needs of nearby neighbors. Donations keep 31+ food cabinets throughout the county filled and provide direct cash aid. Just go to the website with needs or offers. It’s not charity but political work: making visible the oppressive structures that create food, health, financial and housing insecurity. Recorded May 10, 2020.

Rent Freeze in Ithaca

Genevieve Rand tells Aurora Rojer about the campaign to get Ithaca Common Council to ensure that renters who have lost their jobs will not owe back rent when the eviction moratorium ends in June. The main tactic was a phone zap with over 100 people calling Council for 3 days. However, Council refused to vote for it. The Ithaca Tenants Union was instrumental and is renters' best hope for the future. Recorded April 22, 2020.

COVID-19: Socialist Solution

Theresa Alt tells David Foote about what the country need before the next epidemic. Medicare for All would cover everyone for all medical, dental, vision and mental needs at less cost than the present system. Savings come from eliminating waste. The New York Health Act would do similar things in this state. Recorded April 11, 2020.

COVID-19: Socialist Response

René Rojas and Wayles Browne discuss the COVID-19 crisis. What has gone wrong? The crisis exposed the weaknesses of free markets. The housing and financial crisis of 2008 was another example. Will the government again bail out corporations? Or will it finally adopt a real solution — Medicare for All? Recorded March 21, 2020.

In Iran with Code Pink

Amber Gilewski visited Iran with Code Pink in February-March this year. She tells Deirdre Silverman how the group met politicians, activists, filmmakers and ordinary people. Iran wants independence, not bullying by the US. Sanctions are affecting people — e.g. medications not getting in. While there are many legal-cultural restrictions on women, they do have political power. Iranians are typically very friendly toward Americans, despite historic US misdeeds. Recorded July 4, 2019.

Washington State Immigrant Farmworkers Unite!

Ramon Torres, President of a farmworkers’ union in Washington State, seeks higher wages, respect and better working conditions. The farmworkers want better chances for their kids. This takes a union contract. They do not want high-paid union officers negotiating for them. Now they can form farmworker cooperatives so that they don’t need bosses and can decide to go organic on their own berry farms. Recorded March 27, 2018 at a meeting organized by the Cornell Farmworker Program.