Episode

6/12 Capitalism: The Future Of An Illusion w/ Fred L. Block

June 12, 2019

Fred L. Block, Professor of Sociology at the University of California Davis, joins us to discuss his new book, Capitalism: The Future of an Illusion.

On today’s show: #NoKidsInCages installation outside Barclays Center. Citizenship question in census revealed to be geared toward helping GOP, non-Hispanic whites. Elijah Cummings explains why oversight committee needs census citizenship question documents, despite Trump admin’s claim of executive privilege. AOC asks why the citizenship question was rushed into the 2020 census.

Fred L. Block, Professor of Sociology at the University of California Davis, joins us to discuss his new book, Capitalism: The Future of an Illusion. The meaning of the book’s title and why Block chose to echo Freud’s 1927 book on religion. While most people believe that capitalist economies are autonomous, self-regulating and unchanging, they are actually plagued by contradictions and heavily shaped by government policy. In this book, Block makes the case that greater democratic control over the economy would help it function better, not worse, should the world’s superpowers manage to implement sweeping redistributionist and environmental reforms like the Green New Deal.

On the fun half: Jon Stewart asks Congress why they have not reauthorized 9/11 victims comp fund. Mitch McConnell acts surprised that the fund has nearly run out. Trump waves secret agreement with Mexico in front of press pool. Biden finger wags at young woman asking about reproductive rights. A call from our friend the Mooch. David Pakman wants listeners to stop asking other progressive hosts to answer questions about things he did not say. A plug for Extinction Rebellionl; get involved here. Fox News guest says nobody will work if Rashida Tlaib’s UBI bill becomes law. Tiffany Caban explains why her candidacy for Queens DA goes beyond her and why she is ready for the office. Hong Kong protests against Chinese extradition law.

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