Ep. 48: 9/11 @ 22, Cop City Activists Handed RICO Charges, Transphobic Lawsuit in Vicksburg, and More

We begin our show with reflections on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. What legacies has America left in the world in the wake of the War on Terror, the media lies that have created a culture of distrust around the media (for both good and ill), the militarization of police, and the legacy of Islamophobia that has become one of America's grossest exports.

 

We then look at the RICO charges brought against the Cop City activists in Atlanta, which essentially seeks to criminalize dissent and activities like "mutual aid" and "handing out flyers." We look at its chilling effect on free speech, the bipartisan complicity of the charges, and what it means for activists broadly.

 

We look at a story that examines the implications of surveillance capitalism in your car, and talk about a recent transphobic lawsuit filed against Vicksburg schools that essentially argues that allowing trans students to use the bathroom is a violation against CIS students. A former (very reactionary) candidate for attorney general is involved and we talk about their role in the suit.

 

We then look at the sentencing handed down for leaders of the Proud Boys, and ask how justice differs based on race and whether insurrections occurred at the capitol or in the streets of Kalamazoo.

 

We close out the show playing back a recording of speakers from The Rent is Too Damn High rally that recently took place in Lansing.

 

0:00- 33:00 Reflections on 9/11

 

33:00- 49:00 RICO Charges Brought Against Cop City Activists

 

49:20- 59:00 Surveillance Capitalism in Your Car

 

59:00- 1:08:10 Transphobic Lawsuit Filed Against Vicksburg Schools

 

1:08:10- 1:16:00 Stand Back and Stand By for Proud Boy Sentencing

 

1:16:25- 1:40:00 Speakers from the Rent Is Too Damn High Rally

 

SOURCES/ FURTHER READING

 

“A Political Prosecution”: 61 Cop City Opponents Hit with RICO Charges by Georgia’s Republican AG
https://www.democracynow.org/2023/9/6/stop_cop_city_rico_charges

 

Cop City Indictments Threaten Press Freedom Too
https://theintercept.com/2023/09/11/cop-city-indictments-protest-press-freedom

 

It’s Official: Cars Are the Worst Product Category We Have Ever Reviewed for Privacy
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/its-official-cars-are-the-worst-product-category-we-have-ever-reviewed-for-privacy/

 

Students sue Michigan school district for allowing transgender kids in girls’ bathrooms
https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2023/08/students-sue-michigan-school-district-for-allowing-all-genders-in-girls-restrooms.html

 

Two ex-Proud Boys leaders get long sentences in Jan. 6 Capitol attack
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/former-organizer-for-far-right-proud-boys-sentenced-to-17-years-for-plot-to-keep-trump-in-power