Pacifica's Mitch Jeserich hosts “Letters & Politics,” a look at burning political issues and debates, and their historical context, within the US and worldwide.
Live on KPFA at 10:00 AM Pacific Time: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
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Hi Mitch,
I really enjoy your show. Today's topic was one that I've studied a fair amount, and I'm glad to hear you're developing an understanding of it. I wasn't able to hear the whole thing, as I was in the car commuting, but it seems to me that the discussion of attributing the crucifixion to the Jews didn't quite go far enough.
From what I've read, it would have been ridiculous for them to have killed Jesus, because (a) it was against their law (stoning was the preferred form of execution) and (b) they would have revered Jesus as a leader against the Romans.
Bear also in mind that Pilate was in fact recalled by the Roman government for being too bloodthirsty. So the notion that he washed his hands of the execution is equally ludicrous.
So this whole hostility that "Christians" express towards the Jews is based on a viewpoint that is completely ignorant of the actual historical setting, and one which is clearly false. How much better things would have been had it not been for that! All because the Roman government was embarrassed that they had killed the Messiah.
This notion that Judas was a hero for liberating Jesus from the body is amusing. I think the Gnostics were simply being a bit contrarian. I mean, if you wanted simply to be liberated from the body, I can think of better means than crucifixion. Edgar Cayce's view was that Judas was of a faction who wanted Jesus to demonstrate his power, and they believed he would actually not die, but be forced to instead perform some miracle to avoid death.
Other authors I like: Elaine Pagels, James Carroll ...
For what it's worth.
And thanks for the great show!
-= miles =-
I occasionally enjoy your show, but sometimes you REALLY miss the boat. Today's story on the Federal Reserve was the usual propaganda line (and fluff) one expects to find in "Time," "U.S. News and World Report," or "The Wall Street Journal" (or on "Meet the Press" or "Face the Nation"), "just what the doctor ordered" for insomnia. Otherwise worthless, and an excellent example of the waste of good radio air-time.
The Federal Reserve Board is an unconstitutional organization, a private one, which pretends to be part of the U.S. Government. Legislation creating it was enacted in 1913 during the Christmas Break in the U.S. Congress, and it has usurped the powers and prerogatives of American government in a powerful way every since. No agency is as powerful...certainly none of the three legitimate branches of government, Executive, Legislative and Judicial. It has also frequently acted in such a way so as to undermine economic stability in this country, so is surely no friend of the average American. After the "1929 Crash," it determined that "sound economic policy" dictated a tightening of the money-supply, which only served to further enhance the hardship and anguish of millions of Americans. Its activities have never been audited which is--in itself--utterly scandalous.
What you needed to do was present a fact-based, highly critical history and analysis of the institution, and interviewed such figures as Ellen Brown and G. Edward Griffin, authors of "Web of Debt" and "The Creature of Jekyll Island," respectively. Our taxes go directly to the "Fed," not to the U.S. Treasury, in itself, highly problematic. You might also have spoken to people like John Perkins, author of "Confessions of an Economic Hitman," or Professor Manfred Max-Neef, author of "The Barefoot Economist." Your piece was strictly HO-HUM!!!..and very disappointing.
Many of us at KPFK have urged that this show be cancelled. I have demurred, claiming that sometimes this show features some good stories, but now I an not so sure. What we heard today was ANYTHING BUT progressive, radical radio. The same old drivel I could have found on Mainline Media (or on the back of a cereal box). This program, today, is why I find myself increasingly turning to other radio stations, and away from Pacifica. "Letters from Washington" (or whatever you call yourself these days), your days are numbered.
I didn't hear this particular program, but agree with Halle's perspective about the need to have critical analysis and historical review around this issue, and like his/her references; Ellen Brown's book Web of Debt gives a good overview account. If Letters is simply towing the mainstream corporate line that's pretty poor.
I came to this page after listening to program I liked on occupy http://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/74594
yes that's what the Fed is. I didn't listen - but considering your comment, it's a good thing Jeseritch didn't go into what's oft gone over and doesn't need re-doing, here. He likely did a good analysis of the place of yet another capitalist profit making institution and what the alternative is. Yes?
I have seen many scratch their heads, wondering why we have had a shrinking listener-base. Yet, we are not talking CALCULUS here, people. The answer is two-fold.
1. Pacifica (and its constituent stations) seems intent on relying STRICTLY on on-air financial appeals/marketing, rather than exploring other avenues, such as billboards, and public transport ads, which would reach a much larger target population. The average Pacifica subscriber is in his/her sixties, and we have not had a corresponding addition of young stakeholders to compensate for illness or death of current members.
2. A fair amount of irrelevant programming, e.g. on "Letters to Washington" and "Background Briefing." In these trying times, Pacifica must be tuned in to the communities it represents, and must be a relevant, even radical or revolutionary VOICE for those concerned about the dismantling of America.
I very strongly disagree with Halle. Letters to Washington is some of the best programming on Pacifica. It deserves its place besides Democracy Now and Against the Grain. Pacifica listeners deserve a variety of viewpoints. I don't appreciate your efforts to homogenize the voices of the left to conform to your particular agenda. Besides, some of the late afternoon programming is simply atrocious.
Hardly. DN and Against the Grain represent the hard left socialist viewpoint amidst the overall left/socialist slant of Pacifica. While I appreciate the "balance" to the otherwise hard right mainstream programming, it is still based on the false dichotomy of "The Left" and "The Right". Indoctrination is indoctrination, and that's all DN and ATG serve: leftist, socialist, even communist indoctrination. Just because "capitalism" (really what we have now is corporatism, not capitalism) is the problem, it does not mean "socialism" is the cure. The cure is more freedom, and freedom automatically and inherently means INDIVIDUAL freedom. Socialism is an inherently regressive ism.
What KPFA needs is more voices from the RIGHT, as it lacks ANY whatsoever. If this is a "community" radio station then why does it not represent the WHOLE community with programming that tackles human rights and good government from a conservative or libertarian perspective? And please don't tell me that we have Hannity, Limbaugh and O'Reilly: they are merely corporate shills masquerading as "conservatives". How about featuring speeches by Judge Andrew Nepalitano? He's currently featured on Fox News but I can't imagine a better outlet for him than KPFA. There are also "under the radar" speakers like Stephan Molyneaux who is a prolific and widely respected public speaker in the Freedom Movement. There are websites like Zero Hedge that cover the economy in a way that truly explains what's happening in the economy, whereas stooges like Robert Reich and "communist economist" Richard Wolff will tell you that we need more of the same communism and socialism that got us into the current economic mess.
KPFA is great for countering the right-wing spin on the rest of the media spectrum, but is that all KPFA is going to be? Just a reactionary media outlet to counter the dominant paradigm, a losing battle if there ever was one? Why doesn't KPFA be the station that just puts out the TRUTH? That Truth exists across all party and ideological lines. It is not held exclusively by one side or the other.
KPFA is actually a failure as what it stands for. The only way to redeem itself is to flush extremist ideological programming and bring in more voices across the entire political spectrum. That being said, I will continue to listen to KPFA solely for all of my non-music listening, but I will increasingly tune out partisan programs like Against the Grain, Democracy Now and that blathering old bag who comes on at 3:00pm sometimes instead of that other boring program where a booknerd talks to authors. One last thing: I love Hard Knock Radio but many times journalistic standards are lacking in their production.
another element could be that some of the reproduction quality, or accents of speakers, or mumbled speech, and that damd! BACKground sound/music!!! is such that it is difficult to understand what's being said - often enough to discourage people with some expected, as in older-age, hearing loss. Make no mistake, I hugely urge and encourage unprofessional media. But this could be a concern ...
let alone the ignored necessity to stick to Pacifica's role - to allow us a place to exchange information for struggle for the massive change we need.
If a program does not clearly indicate that it's about that , it is not helpful and doesn’t retain followings – or do they?.
I understand it's difficult to find people ready to do a regular broadcast - takes a lot of energy skill background self-training research , and considering the reduced motivation - opening oneself up for relentless disapproval - and HEArty approval, and low or no pay, little opportunity for advancement - and I'm not suggesting Pacifica ever be an avenue to compete in the capitalist world - but those are limitations - which make us hugely grateful regardless the product, for the work done.
Thanks.
Hi Mitch,
I am a fan and a KPFA volunteer, on the outreach committee. I also initially wrote the local party building resolution for the DNC and California Democratic Party. I also worked for 7 years for the organization that Heather Booth founded U.S,(Citizen) Action. I also organized in Richmond against Chevron.
Someone should challenge Michael Moore to kick start a a local Democratic Party organizing campaign in coordination with PDA,Progressive Democrats of America . He has talked about local Democrats often and some of what he says is true. However, its a little more complicated. Most local activist are not "hacks" but what one writer called "cosmopolitans" concerned with state and national issue. The "hack" and they are there too are called "localists" usually knowing and concerned mostly about their town or cities politics.
To do a good job, they will need to think like a "disher," in the basketball sense. Think of Jason Kidd. Meet with the local "cosmopolitans,"do a door to door drive with a professional canvassing staff and share the technology (emails and robo technology) and other start up projects and expenses.
Let KPFA advertise with the new lists for bringing Moore onboard and by providing good information.
Thank you so much for airing this speech that every American has on the tip of her/his tongue and heart and feels so overwhelmed and powerless to share. More Americans really need to stand up and start taking action in ways they still can, and make their voices heard and stop just being sheep while watching their so-called democracy being truly hijacked on every level. Much of the middle class seems still so fast asleep.
I was also pleased that Sen. Sanders offered up his letter to the president to the listeners to sign and send and his website (senator.sanders.org), so that people could take a first step as so many are really doing nothing. It's time! I wish every American would take a second step and start listening to KPFA, KBOO, etc. and wipe away their sleep!!! Thank you for being a voice, Kim
Healthcare always seem to be the issue nowadays. Well the only way to secure ones health is by proper diet, healthy living, faith and a lot of money!
Healthcare has been an issue for almost 2 years now. Haven't they done anything to solve that problem yet? They spend millions on war, but they can't even take care of their own senior citizens.. Huh. That's convenient!
Hello, Mitch,
I'm a writer and these days I've been working on "democracy is process". I'm off to get at copy of "The S Word" at Pegasus. And then you had a professor _______? on re Tom Payne (who may be a cousin of mine since there are Payne's on both sides of my mother's mother's side of the family from the Outer Banks, NC). Anyway, I looked on kpfa.org and could not find the name of your second guest today, so could you send me his name and the book(s) he's written.
Conrad Greenstone
grnstone@transbay.net
member of the National Writers Union, SF-BayArea Delegate 2009-13
510-849-3580
love this show - wish your guest would touch on the topic of weather modification if he is going to talk about weather in the present tense--ongoing weather modification is a huge piece of the puzzle
i went to a 3 hour symposium - it was fascinating--the speakers would be great to interview on your show---the Commonwealth Club has a brand new website -- - access the podcast online for the Man-made Climate Change program
Direct link here:
http://commonwealthclub.org/events/2011-03-28/man-made-climate-change-skies
Podcast link in the upper right hand corner.
thanks again for your ongoing wonderful shows
valeri
People were freaking out, and Obama gets up and says "We are not going to change Medicare into a voucher program" Chill out people!
"did not have social skills", needs to be said and heard differently. Today - or these days - the past decades - Black and other middle-aged youth are taught 'social skills' in classes in school, that fit them into the job search, an on-your-knees status. Clearly Black people like all people have and always have had social skills.
This is like saying we have to TEach creative thinking, as though that's not a human behavior, done from birth, actually. Its FIt into what our Owners and the societiest THEy've wrought is the standard for whether it's being DOne! or not, is all. Creative thinking like socialis skills is always being done. It, they, are natural, our nature.
Likely you altogether agree.
07/25/11
I enjoyed the program today but in looking at the veterans today dot com website I see there is
more to the atrocities in Norway than Mitch is aware of and I extracted some info from there; see below:Anders Behring Breivik, the man being held for Friday’s shooting at an island off the coast of Norway, expressed anti-Islamic sentiments in English in the past and was an enthusiastic supporter of Israel, according to a Sunday-evening report by Channel 2 television. ..
The group targeted during the shooting attacks was 600 members of the Norwegian Labor Party, which had called for a boycott of Israeli products and recognition of a Palestinian state, a group that had drawn considerable ire from Israel and its supporters, one of which was the shooter...
An “invisible hand” seems to be operating here...
The police uniform and credentials, the extremely poor response time, the shooters weapons skills, all point toward too many coincidences.
"Engineering" problems plague all the PA shows at an increasing rate. Some sort of subversion seems to be underway.
I very much appreciated hearing Ralph Nader yesterday. After looking at the success of the Tea Party and trying to understand what makes them successful I decided it was that they were single focused. They appear to have one message - no government, no taxes - and that's it. I believe we would be better off if we learn from them. If there is one one issue that all others depend on it reigning in the corporations. If we do that we will be able to solve our other problems. No other issue has that capacity.I hope we will get the message, prioritize and focus on stopping the bleeding and damage done to our people and our planet by the transnational corporations who are running our government so we can get on and fix everything else.
I very much appreciated hearing Ralph Nader yesterday. After looking at the success of the Tea Party and trying to understand what makes them successful I decided it was that they were single focused. They appear to have one message - no government, no taxes - and that's it. I believe we would be better off if we learn from them. If there is one one issue that all others depend on it reigning in the corporations. If we do that we will be able to solve our other problems. No other issue has that capacity.I hope we will get the message, prioritize and focus on stopping the bleeding and damage done to our people and our planet by the transnational corporations who are running our government so we can get on and fix everything else.
I hate the little number things at the bottom - do we have to do that???
Tuesday Sept 20 - Mitch: I listen to your show almost every day and it usually informative. However, today I am listening to you giving enormous air time to Dorothy Roberts with a demonstrably idiotic, anti-scientific argument. She relies on the human genome project, a fairly primitive analysis of human genes, to prove (her claim) that there is no basis in genetics for racial differences.
It is a settled fact that two black Africans will have a child immediately identifiable as being a black African. Ditto with northern Europeans or Japanese or Pacific Islanders. Race is present in genes. End of discussion. Anyone who disputes that is pushing a political agenda unrelated to genetics. For example, Gregor Mendel did early work on genetics a hundred years ago without the benefit of knowing the human genome. The locus of race in the genome will undoubtedly be discovered when biologists become more sophisticated. Your guest is desperate to try to prove that night is day using bogus arguments.
On the other hand, there is ample room for opposing the use of race for political purposes. KPFA discusses this all day long every day. If she were to make arguments ideally separating race from politics, she would at least be honest. But as her argument stands it is dishonest and wrong.
As a scientist, I am sorry that you choose to grant this fraudulent faux science such a commodious forum, particularly when actual science goes begging in this society. Even KPFA has only a single science based show (Explorations) which, while wonderful, is still prominent in its isolation on the dial.
Mitch: I notice that many of the submitted comments make no clear reference to a show or a guest or a topic but just launch a tirade or support or criticism of whatever is on their mind in such a way that readers have to guess or interpolate the topic. This greatly reduces the utility of the comments.
One way to alleviate some of this would be to have a menu box, like you do with subject, that asks for the specific topic of the show and the name of any relevant guest. The existing "Subject" box is way too wishy-washy and doesn't serve this purpose.
You could also make a plea for commerters to identify the show and topic as clearly as possible.
I enjoy listening to Robert Reich but was surprised today that he was
disingenuous about the Federal Reserve System which is a private banking
scam that is privately owned and operated for profit of it's owners most of whom
are foreign people and entities whose goals and interests are contrary to that of the people
of the USA.
The nature of the FRS was kept mum for many years but the cat is out of the bag.
The late great Eustace Mullins wrote the first book that exposed the FRS scam.
Mr. Reich persists with hiding the key fact that it -the FRS-is privately owned and operated for profit with no process for oversight or control by the US government.
Also Reich suggest a false dichotomy that it is either FRS with fiat FRS notes or US money backed by precious metals. But the US could and should issue debt free mony backed by this nation, it need not be backed by precious metals--nor borrowed through the FRS scam--.
I am disappointed in Mr. Reich. I hope he is not, like Professor Wolf, an advocator for Socialism.
Socialism is a system with a small oligarchy in control of everyone else; the endgame of communism. Capitalism is not incompatable with it as it lends itself to monopolies and cartels and to a plutocracy that then created the vision of socialism for it's goal.
The people of the US benefit from SocialSecurity Insurance and Medicare which are not icompatable with free enterprise and freedoms -especially freedom of speech -recognized in the Bill of Rights. Socialism, envisioned and birthed by a hostile elite, is definitely not compatable with a free people. We have but to look at the Utopia they created in the USSR, albeit rarely mentioned, and the 100 million citizens killed in peace time by a hostile elite who created the Utopia there and then created a daughter Utopia in Palestine.
no reply needed - the 10.24.11 message self destructs.
Great show. Please everyone who cares about Occupy Oakland come to the city counsel meeting this Tuesday, nov 1, 6:30pm, city hall, 3rd floor, to speak your mind about the issues. Our voices will be heard!
Efforts to discount and discredit the occupy movement are succeeding wildly with this focus on encampments, clearings, police actions, etc. etc. Great for those who think protest and 'struggle' are ends to be sought.
Worthwhile ends and messages are entirely lost.
Yes, Occupy is what it's all about.
Concerning this: http://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/75989
As to my own experience would it be much easier to pledge, if the every-day-discourse about the supposed existence of so-called human "races" could be kept low or even silent at KPFA's shows. Please support much more speaking in terms of "social classes"!
Is there any chance, at least for KPFA' own benefit, to achieve this?
2011/12/31, Mike Whitney
http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/12/30/ron-paul-and-the-killing-machine/
2011/12/31, Glenn Greenwald
http://www.salon.com/2011/12/31/progressives_and_the_ron_paul_fallacies/...
this article is filled with background links, video footage of RP, and Greenwald's trenchant commentary.
2011/12/29, Robert Scheer (Truthdig)
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/marginalizing_ron_paul_20111229/P0/
2011/12/29, Matt Stoller (worked for former Rep. Alan Grayson)
http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2011/12/matt-stoller-why-ron-paul-challen...
2011/12/27, Dave Lindorff
http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/12/27/why-the-establishment-is-terrifie...
2011/08/24, Clancy Sigal (writer, screenwriter)
http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/08/24/in-praise-of-ron-paul/
2011/04/28, Charles Davis (journalist)
http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/04/28/is-ron-paul-more-progressive-than...
A focus, as in today's program, on conflict with police is a completely bogus issue.
Let's concentrate on real issues.
The police are not the enemy.
When large, armed people in uniform give an order the best action is to move on, not fight. Fighting is counterproductive and distracts from the important issues of the day.
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