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Secular LeftAuthor: Douglas Berger
There is a well organized and well funded effort to gut the Bill of Rights in this country and in the age of Trump, secular people seem to taking it on the chin more often. Secular Left is meant to be the light in the fog of Christian Nationalism supporting the idea that toxic religious belief is the root of most social justice issues today. Language: en-us Genres: News, News Commentary, Politics Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Revenge on California: How Personal Grievances Creates Policy
Episode 104
Thursday, 12 June, 2025
We start with Doug's past as a member of the College Republicans, a segment of his life that seems almost distant now but also eerily relevant to the political climate we face today. His college experience at Ohio State in the mid-'80s was marked by a growing awareness of the discrepancies in the political narrative he had been raised with. Doug recounts how the rising tide of conservatism he once embraced began to clash with the realities he encountered—especially when it came to grappling with issues of race, free speech, and the responsibility of politicians towards their constituents.Then we examine the current political theater in Los Angeles, where President Trump's administration has been deploying the National Guard to suppress protests—despite local law enforcement asserting that the situation was under control. This aggressive response is less about maintaining order and more about sending a message, punishing California for its dissent against Trump's dictatorial tendencies. The reckless display of power raises critical concerns about a government that no longer feels the need to ask for cooperation but rather demands compliance. Digging deeper into the issue of immigration enforcement, we highlight the detrimental impact of ICE’s recent actions in Los Angeles, a situation that reflects a broader pattern of racial profiling and abuse of power. The targeting of undocumented workers not only perpetuates a cycle of fear but also threatens the very fabric of our economy, as these individuals contribute significantly to industries that many Americans overlook. Local economies are disrupted, and the communities that rely on these workers suffer as well. We draw parallels between my college disillusionment and the current political landscape, where the values we once accepted are now recognized as harmful to the principles of justice and equity.Through personal anecdotes and current events, we emphasize the importance of free speech and peaceful protest, recalling a significant moment during Doug's college years when a counter-protester challenged a political figure's narrative. It served as a crucial reminder of the necessity for dissent in a democracy, a point that resonates strongly with the protests happening in response to Trump's actions today. We must resist the toxic mix of nationalism and authoritarianism that has taken root in our political discourse.Full Show Notes & Links Used Send us a textSupport the showSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our MerchFollow us on BlueskyFind us on Twitter(for now) Find us on InstagramFind us on Counter SocialFind us on Mastadon
