We start with an update on the condition of political prisoner, former Black Panther, author and radio journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal. Pacifica’s Ann Garrison spoke with City University of New York professor, Dr. Johanna Fernandez. Listen to their full conversation here:
Petition to DA Krasner – Stop Defending Mumia Abu Jamal’s Conviction
Covid-19 vaccines are now available, but to whom and at what price? Author Gerald Posner argues that the pharmaceutical industry has engaged in massive profiteering at taxpayers’ expense, and with no real accountability. Gerald Posner is the author of “Pharma, Greed, Lies and the Poisoning of America.” He spoke with Pacifica’s Steve Zeltzer.
Watch Steve Zeltzer’s interview with Gerald Posner here:
Corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is a global phenomenon and Turkey is no exception. Pacifica’s Mehmet Bayram and Gulden Yazgan report President Erdogan’s vaccine roll-out, and the surrounding corruption. Listen to the segment here:
One country 90 miles off the coast of the US has not only contained the coronavirus but also developed several low-cost vaccines for the people of Latin America and the rest of the world. WBAI host Doug Henwood interviewed economist and historian Helen Yaffee about how Cuba’s socialist society handled the pandemic differently. KPFA Behind The News: How has Cuba been handling the COVID epidemic?
For over a decade, the World Economic Forum has been discussing a plan called the 4th Industrial Revolution. We first hear from WEF’s Charles Schwab. Then we go to Alison McDowell, a researcher who has been reporting on how these global investors’ plans will affect the working class of this country. Original here (we thank Truthiverse for the content). Alison McDowell’s site is https://wrenchinthegears.com
Teachers Against Dying is an online community set up by Texas history teacher Michael Hull to warn and help protect teachers who were being coerced to go back to work under unsafe working conditions. Listen to a longer conversation between Steve Zeltzer and Michael Hull here.
The recent massacre of Asians and others in Atlanta is part of the explosion of xenophobia and race hate in the United States. Unfortunately it has a long history. Pacifica spoke with Kent Wong, the director of the UCLA Labor Center and founder of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance.
More information:
Stop Asian Hate! N. Cal Filipinos & Other Asians Speak-out Against Racist Violence and Murders
In March of 2021, the Pacifica National Board passed the following resolution, “In defense of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Communities Against Racist Attacks & Xenophobia”:
Whereas, there have been escalating attacks on Asians and Asian Americans in the US, including mass shootings, as well as physical and verbal attacks,
Whereas, former President Trump’s rhetoric, blaming China for the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, has contributed to anti-Asian sentiment in this country,
Whereas, there is a long history in the U.S. of systemic discrimination and racist legislation that has excluded Asians from citizenship and human rights,
Whereas, the growing economic crisis has been used by racist and fascist forces to blame immigrants, including Asians,
Whereas, this has been combined with a constant negative coverage of China in the media, with both Democrats and Republicans supporting the military encirclement of China in a growing trade war which could lead to a military conflict between two nuclear powers,
Whereas, China-bashing has led to growing xenophobia and the blaming of Asians and Asian Americans for the economic crisis in the United States,
Whereas, Pacifica’s mission is “In radio broadcasting operations to engage in any activity that shall contribute to a lasting understanding between nations and between the individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors; to gather and disseminate information on the causes of conflict between any and all of such groups; and through any and all means compatible with the purposes of this corporation to promote the study of political and economic problems and of the causes of religious, philosophical and racial antagonisms.”
Therefore, RESOLVED that
The Pacifica National Board condemns the attacks on the Asian Community and Asian people in the United States and opposes China-bashing and xenophobia by politicians of both parties and will actively seek to provide a platform for the voices of Asians and Asian Americans who are organizing to defend their communities and educate the public about these issues.
CREDITS:
Host: Tanya Horlick, KMUD
Producer: Steve Zeltzer
Producer-editor: Polina Vasiliev
Contributor: Ann Garrison
ABOUT COVID, RACE, & DEMOCRACY:
In 2020, the Pacifica National Board voted unanimously to develop a transformative program that bridged community voices throughout the network. They hoped to highlight the enormous scale and life altering challenges we face from the lack of governmental leadership in the midst of two horrific pandemics, racism and COVID. We have worked tirelessly to accomplish that goal, and with your support, the “COVID, Race, and Democracy” production team will continue to lift the voices of the people.
The show currently airs Mondays at 2pm CT on KPFT 90.1FM in Houston, TX, Mondays at 4pm ET on WBAI 99.5FM in New York, 6pm ET on WPFW 89.3FM in Washington DC, Wednesdays at 4pm on KPFK 90.7FM in Los Angeles, and on a number of thel Pacifica Network’s 200+ affiliated stations across the United States.
Our executive producers are Akua Holt, Polina Vasiliev, and Steve Zeltzer. Special thanks to the Pacifica Covid Task Force.
