SCADs and Conspiracy Theories

Part 1: New World Notes #404, 28:49 (December1)
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Part 2: New World Notes #405, 28:38 (December 8)
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Lance deHaven-Smith

Public policy scholar Lance deHaven-Smith discusses the concepts of "conspiracy theories" and SCADs--State Crimes Against Democracy. "Conspiracy theory" is a pejorative term introduced by the CIA in the 1960s to smear critics of the Warren Commission Report. SCADs, though, are real crimes that high government officials (often conspiring together) committed.

Part 1 of this interesting talk discusses both concepts and provides some little-known facts about famous SCADs including Watergate and candidate Richard Nixon's scuttling of the Vietnam peace talks in 1968.

Part 2 says more about both concepts and provides many little-known facts about proven SCADs, probable SCADs, and possible SCADs. One focus is this country's many assassinations and attempted assassinations.

deHaven-Smith spoke in Denver on September 6, 2013. Robin Upton, of Unwelcome Guests (unwelcomeguests.net) provided an edited sound recording--which I have edited a bit more. Thanks to Robin.

Lance deHaven-Smith is Professor of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University. His books include Conspiracy Theory in America (University of Texas Press, 2013).

Parenti Ad Lib

Part 1: New World Notes #402, 28:31 (Nov.17)
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Part 2: New World Notes #403, 28:00 (Nov.24)
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Michael Parenti

In Part 1:

Progressive political scientist Michael Parenti's unscripted reflections on capitalism, socialism, student rebellion, Cuban plumbers, Russian prostitutes, worker ownership of workplaces, and Parenti's former running mate--and former close friend--Bernie Sanders.

Plus a relevant song by David Rovics.

In Part 2:

Parenti takes on capitalism, socialism, public utilities, popular rebellion, plutocrats in general, the Waltons in particular, Occupy Wall Street, and the monetary system.

Plus a brief recorded Parenti essay from 2005--"Welfare for the Wealthy"--and a song by Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Parenti spoke in Springfield, Illinois, on October 6, 2015.  The original recording--which I have condened and edited--is courtesy of the Unifersity of Illinois at Springfield and Dale Lehman/WZRD (via radio4all.net).  "Welfare for the Wealthy" courtesy of L.A. Sound Posse.  Many thanks.

 Bernie Sanders (courtesy politico.com)

The Hidden Life of Garbage

New World Notes #401, 27:28 (November 10)
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Refilled glass soda-pop bottles (1949). Was this a bad idea?

We present Heather Rogers' 18-minute video documentary from 2005, Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage plus introduction and other commentary by me.

It's about the growing mountains of waste generated by a consumer economy based on disposable products. It's about the inability of recycling programs to actually recycle most of the stuff they receive. It's about the massive "Keep America Beautiful" anti-littering campaign--an industry ploy designed to head off anti-disposables legislation.

We end with a couple minutes on plastic waste from Annie Leonard's The Story of Bottled Water.

"Gone Tomorrow" was adapted to radio by Robin Upton, of Unwelcome Guests.

Discarded water bottles at a landfill