Propaganda, Capitalism, Empire, Media

New World Notes #577, 27:53 (March 26)
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Media scholar Mark Crispin Miller explores how the government--aided by the corporate media--molds public opinion through massive and unceasing campaigns of propaganda. This propaganda manufactures widespread public consent for imperialism, neoliberal economic policies, and military adventures abroad.

In a brief introduction, KD analyzes the propaganda saturating a New York Times "news" article on Venezuela (March 13, 2019).

Mark Crispin Miller spoke with host Abby Martin on the TeleSUR program The Empire Files in June 2016. I have edited and condensed the audio.

Past installments of The Empire Files are available at theempirefiles.tv (video) and soundcloud.com (audio). This program is now shut down owing to U.S. economic sanctions against Venezuela, where the TeleSUR network is based.

Capitalism vs. Reality

Part 1: New World Notes #575, 29:10 (January 12)
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Part 2: New World Notes #576, 29:09 (January 19)
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Michael Parenti (with megaphone)

In this recent-classic talk, political scientist Michael Parenti refutes the claim that the "free enterprise" system (capitalism) promotes both democracy and prosperity.

Part 1 focuses on democracy. Through several historical examples--from ancient Greece to the Constitutional Convention to the present day--Parenti shows how the capitalists (and their predecessors) fought democracy every step of the way--and continue to do so. Rather, democracy emerged, in fits and starts, from the struggles of ordinary people to bring practical improvements to their lives.

Part 2 focuses more on prosperity. Drawing on the past 150 years of American history, Parenti refutes the myth that capitalism increases the general prosperity. In fact the system has brought regular recessions and depressions to ordinary citizens. Not "free enterprise" but a massive increase in government spending finally lifted America out of the depression of the 1920s and 1930s.

Parenti spoke at the University of Illinois at Springfield on October 16, 2015. Thanks to the university, and to Dale Lehman of WZRD-FM, Chicago, for the original recording.  I have lightly edited the original and done what I could to improve its audio quality.

Previously broadcast, as NWN #410-411, in January2016. Fies downloaded from the links, above, are identified as #410 and 411.

The real origins of democracy, according to Parenti

Noam Chomsky on North Korea and Syria

New World Notes #574, 27:25 (March 5)
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North Korea and Syria--what to do? Noam Chomsky reveals some not-well-known facts about the situations, and he makes some intelligent suggestions for wise and humane action by the U.S.

As usual, Chomsky's analysis is a refreshing alternative to the belligerent cliches recited by government spokespersons and the corporate-controlled media.

Chomsky spoke two years ago--responding to questions posed by Amy Goodman. His words are just as powerful and just as relevant today.

Chuck Rosina recorded the talk live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 24, 2017. His complete recording is available on radio4all.net.

Previously broadcast, as NWN #479, in May 2017. Audio files downoaded from the links, above, are identified as #479.