Politics & Policy

The Decline of American Journalism – Robert McChesney
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The Decline of American Journalism – Robert McChesney

ByPaul Jay

In remembrance of Robert W. McChesney, the esteemed media scholar and activist who passed away on March 25, 2025, we are republishing an interview that delves into his profound insights on media, democracy, and society. McChesney, co-founder of the media reform organization Free Press and author of influential works such as “Rich Media, Poor Democracy,” dedicated his life to challenging corporate control of the media and advocating for a more democratic communication system. Through this conversation, readers can revisit McChesney’s enduring contributions and the critical perspectives he shared throughout his career.

Elon Musk’s Race to Become the World’s First Trillionaire Runs Through Your Social Security and Medicare – Jeffrey Sommers

Elon Musk’s Race to Become the World’s First Trillionaire Runs Through Your Social Security and Medicare – Jeffrey Sommers

ByJeffrey Sommers

This article was originally published on February 24, 2025, on CounterPunch. Jeffrey Sommers explores how Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire through the “Mother of All Privatizations” (MOAP). He traces Musk’s rise from under $1 billion in 2011 to over half a trillion during Trump’s presidency, fueled by post-2008 policies and COVID-19 stimulus. Reaching a trillion would require massive public-to-private wealth transfers—privatizing Social Security and Medicare, tax cuts for the rich, increased government funding for Musk’s firms, and public sector cuts. Sommers sees this as the final dismantling of the New Deal.

Gaza Whistleblowers: U.S. Officials Who Resigned in Protest
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Gaza Whistleblowers: U.S. Officials Who Resigned in Protest

ByThe Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy

The Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy webinar featuring three U.S. government officials who resigned in protest of American military and political support for the Israeli war on Gaza. Whistleblowers Harrison Mann, Annelle Sheline, and Alexander Smith will explain their motives for resigning, the consequences of their actions, and their views of U.S. policy in the region. The discussion will be moderated by Kelley Vlahos, senior advisor for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

The Trump Coup Didn’t Fail: It’s Just Getting Started – Wilkerson and Jay Pt. 1/2

The Trump Coup Didn’t Fail: It’s Just Getting Started – Wilkerson and Jay Pt. 1/2

ByPaul Jay

Is the U.S. heading toward a Mussolini-style corporate fascism? Colonel Larry Wilkerson joins Paul Jay to expose the power struggle shaping America’s future. From Trump’s influence to billionaires pushing for a CEO-run government, they break down the real coup happening in plain sight.

How Capitalism Pillages the Planet and Creates Chaos – Patrick Bond Pt. 1/2
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How Capitalism Pillages the Planet and Creates Chaos – Patrick Bond Pt. 1/2

ByTalia Baroncelli

Following decades of ongoing mineral extraction, environmental plunder, and the subsidization of the fossil fuel industry, the second Trump administration’s aggressive pro-drilling agenda unapologetically seeks to seize as many foreign and domestic minerals and dirty energy sources as possible. Patrick Bond, political economist and Director of the Centre for Social Change in Johannesburg, discusses the mix of neoliberalism and paleo-conservatism undergirding Elon Musk’s corporate takeover of the US government. Bond also discusses the motivation behind US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the solidarity-equality-sustainability G20 in South Africa, and the implications of the US’ withdrawal from international climate agreements, slashing of emissions-reduction goals, and support for destructive carbon-intensive industries.

Despite Gaza Ceasefire, Israel Accelerates Its Annexation of the West Bank – Rami Khouri
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Despite Gaza Ceasefire, Israel Accelerates Its Annexation of the West Bank – Rami Khouri

ByTalia Baroncelli

Palestinian-American journalist Rami Khouri outlines the Israeli far-right’s longstanding opposition to Palestinian self-determination and, as he says, the very right of Palestinians to exist. Khouri discusses how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, together with President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have shredded international law at every opportunity in their genocidal slaughter and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. Yet despite Trump’s success in pressuring Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal, the agreement itself is on thin ice: Israel’s resumption of strikes in Gaza could lead to an unraveling of phase two negotiations, precluding the possibility of a permanent ceasefire and ultimately of any effective Palestinian governance and statehood.  

Trump, God, and the Techno Philosopher Kings

Trump, God, and the Techno Philosopher Kings

ByPaul Jay

Trump’s inaugural speech avoided direct war rhetoric with China but signaled dangerous trends: a growing alliance between corporate elites and government, imperialist ambitions, climate denial, and authoritarian overreach. With tech CEOs at the forefront and Musk in a key government role, the fusion of state and corporate power mirrors Mussolini-style corporatism. From threats to seize the Panama Canal to deploying emergency powers domestically, Trump’s vision risks U.S. democracy and global stability. This analysis unpacks the implications of a presidency rooted in power, profit, and peril.

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