JRE #634 – Abby Martin

This podcast features Abby Martin, an American journalist and former host of “Breaking the Set” for RT America, as she shares her experiences working for the Russian-funded news network and discusses various provocative topics related to global politics, propaganda, and the media landscape.

Major Topics and Deep Underlying Themes

1. Abby Martin’s Time at RT America:
   • Martin’s unique position as a dissenting voice within RT, providing credibility to the network.
   • Her experiences with editorial freedom and the pressures of working for a state-funded media outlet.
   • The challenges of navigating bias and propaganda in media, emphasizing the importance of understanding sources.
   • Martin’s decision to leave RT after facing pressure and control over her reporting.
2. Propaganda Wars and the Media Landscape:
   • The role of media in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion.
   • The dangers of relying solely on mainstream media and the importance of critical thinking.
   • The increasing use of propaganda by governments and corporations to further their agendas.
   • The challenges of separating truth from fabrication in an increasingly saturated media environment.
3. Political Assassinations and Suspicious Deaths:
   • The stark contrast between alleged political assassinations in Russia and the United States.
   • The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding suspicious deaths within political circles.
   • The difficulties of investigating and establishing truth in highly politicized and secretive situations.
   • The inherent risk involved in challenging powerful entities through investigative journalism.
4. The Anthrax Attacks and Government Complicity:
   • The alleged involvement of the US government in the anthrax attacks, fueled by misinformation and manipulation.
   • The implications of government complicity in bioterrorism and the consequences for individuals falsely accused.
   • The lack of transparency and accountability in government investigations, highlighting potential cover-ups.
   • The enduring impact of the anthrax attacks on public fear and trust in institutions.
5. The Culture of Suppression and Power Dynamics:
   • The pervasiveness of power dynamics and control mechanisms within various sectors of society.
   • The use of intimidation and manipulation to silence dissent and maintain power structures.
   • The complex web of connections and conflicts of interest within political and corporate circles.
   • The challenges of exposing corruption and abuse when those in power have significant resources and influence.
6. The Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Allegations:
   • The disturbing allegations against Bill Cosby and the long-standing culture of silence surrounding his behavior.
   • The impact of power dynamics and societal norms on the ability of victims to come forward.
   • The changing dynamics of celebrity accountability and the role of social media in exposing abuse.
   • The lasting effects of sexual assault and the importance of believing victims.
7. The War on Drugs and the DEA’s Role:
   • The hypocrisy and contradictions in the government’s approach to drug policy, particularly regarding marijuana.
   • The influence of powerful lobby groups, including prison guard unions and pharmaceutical companies, in shaping drug policies.
   • The impact of criminalization on communities and the disproportionate targeting of minorities.
   • The need for a more rational and evidence-based approach to drug policy, prioritizing harm reduction and public health.
8. The Limits of Capitalism and Ethical Considerations:
   • The inherent flaws of unfettered capitalism and its potential for exploitation and environmental damage.
   • The need for ethical capitalism that prioritizes sustainability, social responsibility, and the well-being of all people.
   • The challenges of achieving ethical capitalism in a system driven by competition and profit maximization.
   • The importance of consumer activism and voting with your dollars to support ethical businesses.
9. The Future of Media and Information:
   • The internet’s role in disrupting traditional media monopolies and empowering citizen journalists.
   • The rise of online platforms, such as Netflix and HBO GO, as alternatives to cable television.
   • The potential for the internet to democratize information and create a more diverse and accessible media landscape.
   • The challenges of navigating disinformation and propaganda in a highly fragmented online environment.
10. The American Empire and its Consequences:
    • The long-standing legacy of American imperialism and its devastating impact on various regions around the world.
    • The justification of war and violence through narratives of American exceptionalism and a sense of entitlement.
    • The inherent dangers of a militaristic culture and its influence on domestic and foreign policy.
    • The urgent need to dismantle the military-industrial complex and promote diplomacy and peaceful solutions.
11. The Role of the Supreme Court and the Monolithic Nature of Power:
    • The immense power of the Supreme Court and its influence on crucial issues related to civil liberties and social justice.
    • The lack of accountability and transparency within the Supreme Court system.
    • The potential for political bias to influence judicial decisions, particularly in highly charged matters.
    • The need for a more democratic and accountable system of justice that serves the interests of all citizens.
12. The Politicization of Identity and the Dangers of Tribalism:
    • The manipulation of identity politics by politicians and the media to divide and polarize the population.
    • The dangers of tribalism and the inherent tendency for humans to identify with groups and demonize those outside.
    • The importance of fostering empathy and understanding across diverse groups and recognizing our shared humanity.
    • The need to move beyond divisive labels and focus on shared values and common goals.
13. The Need for a Globalized Consciousness and Revolution:
    • The urgency of shifting from individualistic and nationalistic perspectives to a more globalized consciousness.
    • The importance of recognizing our shared humanity and extending empathy to all people.
    • The power of grassroots movements and the potential for decentralized revolution to challenge oppressive systems.
    • The need to engage in dialogue and collaboration across borders and cultures to create a more just and equitable world.
14. The Importance of Local Action and Empowerment:
    • The power of local activism and the potential to create real change at the community level.
    • The importance of direct democracy and the ability to exert influence through local referendums and initiatives.
    • The need to challenge oppressive systems through local resistance and the empowerment of communities.
    • The potential for local action to create a ripple effect and inspire broader social change.
15. The Dangers of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP):
    • The potential for the TPP to erode national sovereignty and empower corporations to overrule democratic laws.
    • The lack of transparency and public input in the TPP negotiations, raising concerns about corporate influence.
    • The potential for the TPP to exacerbate economic inequality, harm workers’ rights, and undermine environmental regulations.
    • The need for greater public awareness and activism to challenge the TPP and advocate for a more just and sustainable trade system.
16. Police Brutality and Systemic Issues:
    • The increasing prevalence of police brutality and the lack of accountability for officers who abuse their power.
    • The inherent dangers of granting police officers unchecked authority and the potential for abuse.
    • The need for police reform, including stricter oversight, de-escalation training, and community policing.
    • The importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for victims of police brutality.
17. The Impact of American Foreign Policy on the Middle East:
    • The role of US intervention in exacerbating conflict and instability in the Middle East.
    • The unintended consequences of military intervention and the creation of new enemies through regime change.
    • The need for a more nuanced and responsible approach to foreign policy, prioritizing diplomacy and conflict resolution.
    • The importance of understanding the complex dynamics of the Middle East and respecting the sovereignty of its nations.
18. The Power of Art, Music, and Creativity:
    • The ability of art, music, and creativity to challenge oppressive systems and inspire change.
    • The importance of expressing oneself freely and challenging dominant narratives through creative expression.
    • The power of art to connect people across cultures and foster empathy and understanding.
    • The potential for art to ignite social movements and create a more just and equitable world.
19. The Importance of Global Consciousness and Shared Humanity:
    • The need to recognize our shared humanity and transcend divisive labels and ideologies.
    • The importance of fostering empathy and compassion for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.
    • The potential for collective action and a globalized consciousness to create positive change.
    • The belief that we are all interconnected and responsible for creating a more just and sustainable world.

Memorable Quotes

• “It gave a lot of credibility to the network when you have dissent against the funder.” – Abby Martin on her role as a dissenting voice at RT America.
• “The problem with the propaganda wars is that you don’t know what’s fucking true.” – Martin acknowledging the challenges of navigating a media landscape filled with misinformation.
• “I think that when you’re looking at RT, and I wasn’t easily definable because the the my whole angle was coming outside of party lines because I’m so disgusted with both parties, and I think that that’s why people are so disillusioned because they they’re watching the media and they just think that there’s just 2 camps, 2 parties that you know, and it’s bullshit.” – Martin on her approach to journalism and the disillusionment with the two-party system.
• “You know, everyone comes with an opinion, everyone comes with a bias, and I’d rather know the bias, which is Russia today, you may not get the truth about Russia from going to Russia today and watching Russia today. But you will get the fucking truth about the US government, and you will get the truth about corporations because it’s state funded so you can talk about those things without worrying about advertisers and sponsorship.” – Martin on the importance of understanding media bias.
• “I think that we need some sort of actual democratic kind of cooperative governance locally, where people are actually invested in like a cooperative level, which is actually what democracy should be.” – Martin on her vision for a more democratic and participatory system of governance.