All Programs — Page 149 of 169 — Alternative Radio

United States of Surveillance
Alfred McCoy
The telescreens in Orwell’s “1984” monitoring Winston Smith are crude devices compared to 21st century technology but they make the point. Big Brother is watching your every move. Today, the weapons of surveillance in the hands of state agencies have grown enormously in scope and sophistication. Basic rights are in jeopardy. Invasions of privacy such […]
Corruption: From Russia to Wall Street
Matt Taibbi
It’s easy to make jokes and feel virtuous when discussing post-Communist Russia. It’s crony capitalism and insider trading at its worst. In comparison, are things much better in the United States? There is corruption, fraud, bribery and embezzlement. With a few exceptions, the scoundrels walk away with their bonuses and compensation packages while their victims […]
Lies, Cliches and the Middle East
Robert Fisk
Words are a contested battlefield. Propagandists long ago figured out if you control the vocabulary you could dominate any debate or issue, conflict or war. On almost any given day you can read or hear variants of the following: Our enemies live in strongholds and emerge from nests or caves to carry out brazen ambushes. […]
Climate Wars
Gwynne Dyer
An increase in just two degrees Celsius in average global temperature could trigger conflicts over scarce food and water. Scientists are predicting we will see in this century an increase in heat waves, floods, droughts, and storms 10 times more powerful than Katrina. As the planet gets hotter, glaciers will melt and there will be […]
The Washington Rules
Andrew Bacevich
When it comes to formulating foreign policy, particularly since the end of World War II, from Truman to Reagan to Obama, it hasn’t mattered much who is in the White House. There is a virtual catechism of Washington Rules which produce permanent war. Institutionalized militarism is built into the structures of power. And the warfare […]
Obama: The Continuity of U.S. Policy
Tariq Ali
From Cairo to Oslo to his Aug. 31, 2010 Oval Office address, Obama has delivered one uplifting homily after another. Each speech is replete with euphemisms generated by White House staff writers to describe America’s glowing mission in the world: “Our country has borne a special burden in global affairs,” “Our cause is just, our […]
Revolutionary Mexico
John Ross
With a population of more than 110 million, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. For many, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, it is a vacation getaway with beaches at Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta and “una cerveza mas, por favor.” Throw in a pyramid or two and that’s […]
The Reagan Legacy
Daniel Schorr
The Reagan era casts its shadow into today. Much of the reputation of the 40th president has been carefully crafted and edited. Daniel Schorr was there covering the Reagan presidency. He has some trenchant observations about Reagan, his policies, and their impact and influence.
Artists in a Time of War
Howard Zinn
The role of artists, writers, poets, actors, and musicians have an enormous impact on society. Because of the special place they occupy in people’s hearts and minds their influence is central. Artists shine light into the dark crevices of the human psyche. They question, nudge and agitate. Bonnie Raitt, Michael Franti, Arthur Miller, Alice Walker, […]
1492-1992: The Legacy of Columbus
Howard Zinn
For as long as many of us can remember Christopher Columbus represented the best in Western civilization. We were regaled with stories of his bravery and genius. Textbooks praised his seamanship. He was the discoverer par excellence. There were parades and holidays. Now, with the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Western Hemisphere, a […]
Shakti: Feminine Power for Change
Vandana Shiva
When you hear the word Shakti, you may think of the great fusion band of a few years back. But it has another meaning and dimension. In Sanskrit, it means “female creative power.” In Hindu cosmology, Shakti is the divine force, manifesting to destroy demonic forces and restore balance. Humanity is facing unprecedented threats, a […]
Myths, Empire and the Middle East
Richard Becker
The great historian Howard Zinn always reminded us of the importance of knowing history, not the imagined and fabricated past but what actually happened. Without that knowledge we are putty in the hands of manipulators and prevaricators. Powerful states have incentives to invent history and they have varied instruments at their disposal to achieve their […]

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