Emma hosts Joe Margulies, Professor of Law and Government at Cornell University, to discuss his recent book Thanks For Everything (Now Get Out): Can We Restore Neighborhoods Without Destroying Them? on the never-ending process that is neoliberal gentrification, why it’s so hard to stop, and what we can do to return the power to the neighborhoods we are so intent on “improving.” They begin by touching on why Professor Margulies decided to focus on a particularly devastated region of Providence, Rhode Island – Olneyville – rather than notorious gentrification hotbeds such as Brooklyn and Chicago, walking through the historical collapse, and eventual rebuilding of the neighborhood over the last century, before they look at how this process, as it exists, simply moves the neighborhood’s residents from an environment of toxicity to an environment where they cannot afford to live in their own houses anymore – as soon as it becomes safer, the reckoning begins. This brings Professor Margulies and Emma to the topic of neoliberalism and how this has massively spurred the gentrification process, including looking at its carceral mindset that addresses poverty and houselessness with imprisonment rather than money and housing, puts the only agency and power in the hands of external non-profits rather than community members, and only seeks transformation for capital gains of investors rather than to grow the capital of the neighborhood itself. This allows them to discuss the role of non-profits and incentives such as Opportunity Zones in ensuring that the only winners from neighborhood investment are for gentrifiers and investors, before they wrap up the interview by touching on Professor Margulies’ concept of “neighborhood trusts” and how they can support a community-led investment that keeps the agency and fruits of labor in the hands of the residents.  Emma also touches on the devastation of the monoclonal antibody supplies and her continued support for Odell Beckham Jr.

And in the Fun Half: Matt Lech takes the stage to discuss recent revelations on the JFK assassination, walking through the lack of credibility in the traditional “lone gunman” narrative, the CIA’s pre-existing relationship with Lee Harvey Oswald, and why the conspiracy should empower the public, before he highlights Jefferson Morley’s recent exploration of the legacy of doubt amidst Kennedy’s closest allies, and the integral role of anti-communism. He and Emma also cover updates on the Aguilera-Mederos truck accident and Build Back Better, Nathanial from Fresno updates us on CA’s redistricting, and Eric Adams reminds us that as a former cop, he still has the right to abuse citizens. CNA Socialist calls in to share their own stories of being an overworked and excessively traumatized nurse under COVID, plus, your calls and IMs!

Purchase tickets for the live show in Boston on January 16th HERE!