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Activism, politics, and beer from PA-based Raging Chicken Press
Episodes
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Friday Mar 05, 2021
The Sunrise Movement launched a campaign for “Good Jobs for All” last night. The video launch event featured Sunrise activists; Sara Nelson - President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA; and, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who introduced a historic jobs guarantee resolution a couple of weeks ago. The Good Jobs for All campaign calls for jobs that will help stop the climate crisis; a federal jobs guarantee to help end the COVID recession; and jobs to address those suffering from climate disasters. You can get involved by clicking “Join the Rays” in today’s show notes.
Some big rulings in the Supreme Court this week. In a 5-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme court made it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to fight deportation, even those who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives. That opinion was written by Neil Gorsuch. And, Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s last minute appointment following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, issued her first majority opinion this week. This time in a 7-2 ruling, the Trump court was joined by Justice Elena Kagan of the so-called “liberal” justices. In this ruling, the Court rejected a Freedom of Information Act request from the Sierra Club “for documents about harm to endangered species,” according to the New York Times. Barrett argued that “the records were protected by an exemption to the act that shields documents that would disclose deliberations inside an agency before it makes a final decision.” The ruling overturned the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court.
In some potentially discouraging climate news, John Kerry, Biden’s climate envoy, is reportedly talking to some of the largest banks and asset managers in the U.S. about contributing capital for clean energy. That’s according to CNBC. The news comes just a couple days after Kerry tapped Wall Street veteran Mark Gallogly to join the climate team. You can imagine why some climate activists are a little concerned.
Jane McAlevey takes to the pages of The Nation to warn national labor leaders not to buy into the Silicon Valley’s promise for sectoral bargaining.
Federico Klein, a Trump appointee within the Department of State, was arrested this week for taking part in the Jan 6th Insurrection. Before joining the Trump campaign in 2016, Klein worked for the Family Research Council and his mother noted that “Fred’s politics run a little hot.”
The Stock market tanked this week.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Board is the best job in Harrisburg if you can get it or are appointed to it like Frances Regan, the wife of State Senator Mike Regan. Frances Regan was appointed to the Gaming Board this week with no announcement or press release and she will be getting paid $145,000 a year to attend one or two meetings a month during her term.
Pennsylvania is number 1. Yep, moving from the second spot last week, Pennsylvania now boasts the number 1 position for the state with the most people arrested for the January 6 insurrection. And guess which PA county is number 1? No, not the deep red counties in the center of the states. It’s my very own Bucks County.
A new report by PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center finds that of 53 Pennsylvania waterways tested, “microplastic contamination was found in every spot, from Lake Erie, Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers, and the Delaware River.” The report calls for the passage of bills such as the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, which calls for banning single-use plastics and environmental remediation efforts.
Lock Haven faculty holding a virtual town hall on March 30 about the controversial integreaton of LHU with Mansfield and Bloom.
SpaceX finally lands its Starship! Yes, the SN 10 successfully launched from its Boca Chica launch pad just after 6:30 pm on Wednesday. Then for the first time it stuck the landing! But...a few minutes later, it blew up.
A new Star Trek movie is in the works. This time it will be led by an original script by Kalinda Vazquez, one of the main writers of the Star Trek Discovery series. She’s going to be busy as she is also working with George R.R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame on an adaptation of Roger Zelazny’s sci-fi novel, Roadmarks for HBO. Live long and prosper, Vazquez!
New analysis of satellite data by Chinese scientists confirmed for the first time the existence of “space hurricanes” - whirling storms of plasma that occur in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. But these hurricanes don’t rain water droplets, they rain electrons.
The Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC) announced plans to begin building the first space hotel in 2025. The plan is to open the space station for guests in 2027 - but, you’ll need a net worth of about $50 million if you want to be one of the lucky 400 guests. The company claims that the spinning Voyager Station will feature Moon-like levels of artificial gravity and, according to the company, the space station will feature themed restaurants, viewing lounges, movie theaters, bars, libraries, gyms, and a health spa. And, just coincidentally, the company is now open to investors. Smell a little grift anyone?
Free Will Brewing releases: Sing Me Back Home - DDH Double IPA brewed with a base of fluffy flaked oats and wheat, hopped in the kettle with Citra, then double dry hopped with Strata, Moutere, and even more Citra. 8.7% ABV. New label art from Kolahari. Also, if you’re looking to burn a hole in your wallet and buy some serious craft beer cred? Here’s one for you: Saffron Black Lime Ralphius (2020) - $50.00. Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Saffron, Black Lime, and Fleur de Sel - 17.5% ABV
If we want a progressive future, we need progressive media. Support pull-no-punches, homegrown progressive media today by becoming a patron of Raging Chicken for as little as $5/month. Simply go to Patreon.com/RCPress.
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
I welcome Sean O’Leary, Senior Researcher with the Ohio River Valley Institute. We’re going to be talking about ORVI’s new report, “Appalachia’s Natural Gas Counties: The Natural Gas Fracking Boom and Appalachia’s Lost Economic Decade.” The report examines 22 counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia at the center of Appalachia’s natural gas boom. While the boom did wonders for the national GDP and fossil fuel companies bottom lines, those 22 counties did significantly worse. The promises of an economic rebirth for these economically strapped regions never came to pass.
The Ohio River Valley Institute is an independent, nonprofit research and communications center—a think tank—founded in 2020 and based in Johnstown, PA. The Institute equips the region’s residents and decision-makers with the policy research and practical tools needed to advance long-term solutions to some of Appalachia’s most significant challenges. Their work includes in-depth research, commentary, and analysis, delivered online, by email, and in-person to policy champions, emerging leaders, and a range of community partners. And, they just released another report last week, “The Failure of Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Pennsylvania.” Looks like I’ll be reaching out again for a future Out d’Coup LIVE!
O’Leary is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia and has written about coal, natural gas, and their role in the economies of Appalachia in a book, a newspaper column, and blog titled, “The State of My State”. Previously, Sean served as communications director at the NW Energy Coalition in Seattle, Washington. He is also a playwright who has won numerous awards presented by the National Endowment for The Arts, the National Arts Club, and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts among others.
A special shout out to Jonathan Mann who wrote our intro song, “There Are No People in the Future.” Check out all is great stuff on his YouTube page and follow him on Twitter @songadaymann
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Out d'Coup LIVE welcomes Jordan Hopkins to the show. Hopkins is a 23-year old writer, editor, and independent journalist located in Philadelphia, PA. He's been covering PA's right-wing extremists and the grift at the core of the emerging Patriot Party. We’ll be digging into his latest article, “A Party of Grifters,” and the rise of extremism in PA more broadly. You can check out all his great reporting at https://www.itsalienmuse.com and you can follow him on Twitter @jhop_phl.
A special shout out to Jonathan Mann who wrote our intro song, “There Are No People in the Future.” Check out all is great stuff on his YouTube page and follow him on Twitter @songadaymann.
For the gamers: Check out The Game Inn and follow them on Twitter @thegameinn. Got a question about a game? Looking for something hard to get? Message them on FB, drop them an email thegameinnpa@gmail.com or give them a call at (267) 424-2535. https://thegameinn.com/.
Monday Feb 22, 2021
Monday Feb 22, 2021
On tonight’s show, I welcome Omar Ray. Ray is a candidate running for Lehigh County Commissioner, District 5. He’s a community organizer from Upper Saucon Township. His platform includes Distributing COVID vaccines equitably & efficiently; Investing in affordable housing for families & seniors; supporting local schools & technical training programs; ending the cash bail system which criminalizes poverty; and, preserving farmlands & open spaces. This year's Democratic primary will be held on May 18.
Check out his full platform and learn how you can help elect another progressive Lehigh County Commissioner visit his website: https://omarforlehigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omarrayforlehigh
Monday Feb 15, 2021
Monday Feb 15, 2021
What a better way to deal with freezing rain and winter storms. Join us tonight for Out d'Coup LIVE. We want to hear from you. Call in on the Podbean app and let us know what's on your mind. Insurrection? Impeachment? Evictions? Gov. Wolf's budget? COVID relief bill? Union drive? Scott Perry billboards? It's all fair game. Or maybe you have suggestions for upcoming shows? We'd love to hear from you.
On tonight's show we talked about some of these articles:
- "Quelling Our National Riot," by David Dayen, The American Prospect
- "Appalachia's Natural Gas Counties: The Natural Gas Boom and Appalachia's Lost Economic Decade," a new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute
- "The Education Fix," by Cristina Viviana Groeger, Dissent
- "Democrats had a brutal 2020 in Pennsylvania besides Biden. Now they’re charting a path forward," Philadelphia Inquirer
Shout outs to the folks at Community Research Opposing Hate.
And, as always, huge thanks to Jonathan Mann for the intro/outro music. Follow him on Twitter @songadaymann.
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Raging Chicken has been covering the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education for ten years. We've exposed the lies told by university presidents and system chancellors. We've shown how administrators have used deceptive accounting practices to pull the wool over the eyes of students, faculty, staff, and the public. And, we've given voice to the faculty, staff, students, and community members who fought back.
Today, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is facing devastating cuts in faculty and programs. There's a shiny new Chancellor, but the playbook is much the same. You can dress up austerity in Silicon Valley happy-talk, but the end game is the same.
On this episode of Out d'Coup LIVE we'll be mining the Raging Chicken archives to reframe the discourse of crisis in the defunding and destruction of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. We'll also be taking your calls on the podbean app.
A special shout out to Jonathan Mann who wrote our intro song, “There Are No People in the Future.” Check out all is great stuff on his YouTube page and follow him on Twitter @songadaymann
Selected Raging Chicken coverage of PASSHE discussed in this episode.
- I Went to Harrisburg and my Head Exploded
- Wall Street on the Susquehanna: PASSHE Bond Scheme Bleeds Education Budget for Beautiful Buildings
- PASSHE’s Austerity Magic: Save Your Despair for Better Days
- Exposing Budget Fraud at PASSHE Universities | Colleen Bradley tells her story
- Budgeting for Fear and Austerity: An Interview with Howard Bunsis
- The Bunsis Report
- APSCUF Releases Independent Audit of PASSHE’s Books, Confirms Bond Schemes Bleeding Education Dollars
- Denying Access: Transforming PASSHE’s Commitment to Working-Class Students
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
On today’s show, I welcome Brian Bailie back to the podcast. Bailie is an Assistant Professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of Cincinnati’s Blue Ash College. Brian’s latest articles include,“Are We an Academic Journal? Editing as Ethical Practice for Change,” co-authored with Steve Parks, in Reflections: A Journal of Community Engaged Writing and Rhetoric, and the ever-timely piece in Present Tense: A Journal of Rhetoric in Society, “So, Richard Spencer is Coming to Your Campus. How He was Allowed on, and How You Can Confront Him.”
I wanted to have Brian back on the show to update us on some of the many assaults on public higher education during the pandemic. Tonight we’ll talk about the attempt by lawmakers in Iowa to strip tenure from faculty in all state public colleges and universities. Then we’ll ask why a dead professor is teaching an art course for Concordia University. Then there’s the U of Florida installing "tattle buttons" to narc on faculty who moved some in-person classes on-line. Oh, yea, then in our backyard the PA State System of Higher Education is gutting faculty and staff at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. But we won’t leave you with all doom and gloom. We'll talk about the fight back. UC students with Boldly Bankrupt are doing great work and building coalitions.
A special shout out to Jonathan Mann who wrote our intro song, “There Are No People in the Future.” Check out all is great stuff on his YouTube page and follow him on Twitter @songadaymann
- Check out Boldly Bankrupt: https://boldlybankrupt.cargo.site/
- Dead professors teaching at Concordia University: https://slate.com/technology/2021/01/dead-professor-teaching-online-class.html
- Iowa attack on tenure: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/education/iowa-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-eliminate-tenure-20210126
- IUP Cuts: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/28/us/college-coronavirus-tuition.html (we didn't get to talk too much about this tonight. I'll focus on it on another show).
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Biden is president. Kamala Harris makes history as first woman, first South Asian, and first African American vice president.
Republicans are wasting no time in showing their true colors. McConnell pulls a stunt on Day One to block Democrats from taking over the majority on committees.
Yes, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as president and vice president this past week, but Chairman Sanders stole the inauguration and became an instant internet meme with his winter coat and mittens.
Speaking of Chairman Sanders, he started Biden’s presidency by waving two big middle fingers to everyone’s “unity talk.” Senator Sanders wasted no time threatening Republicans with reconciliation if they do not agree with COVID relief. Sanders stated that Republicans used budget reconciliation to push tax-cuts through for the rich and that Democrats will use the process to help working families.
Earlier today, Biden lifted the Trump ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the military.
As we go LIVE, the House has delivered the article of impeachment against former president Donald Trump to the Senate. Apparently, Chief Justice Roberts was unwilling or uninterested in presiding over a second trial. The Constitution says the Chief Justice is to preside over a sitting president but does not spell out what happens in a trial against a former president. Senator Leahy has been tapped to be the presiding officer.
Joe Biden is making in-roads with labor in ways that previous administrations haven’t. On his first day in office, Biden fired Peter Robb, the former head of the National Labor Relations Board. Robb was a corporate lawyer who helped Rondal Regan fire thousands of air-traffic controllers in the 1980’s. Robb was just replaced with Peter Ohr as interim head of the NLRB. Ohr made waves in a ruling that allowed Northwestern University football players to unionize.
Big Twitter-verse controversy over #ForceTheVote leads to frustrating debate between Sam Seder of the Majority Report and Briahna Joy Gray, former national press secretary for the Bernie Sanders campaign. The debate took place on Bad Faith podcast, which Briahna Joy Gray co-hosts with Virgil Texas from Chapo Traphouse.
Documents obtained by Pennsylvania Spotlight showed that Pennsylvania Senate Republicans spent over $1 million in legal fees to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters. That’s right. They spent your tax dollars to stop you from voting last year.
On Friday night, it was reported in the New York Times that an unnamed Pennsylvania Politician played a key role in trying to stage a coup within the Department of Justice in order to force Georgia to overturn their election results.
It turns out that in a follow-up reporting, it was Scott Perry who aided Trump in trying to fire the senior staff at the Department of Justice to install a Trump loyalist who was willing to overturn the Georgia election results.
The plot thickens in the case against Riley Williams, the 22-year-old Harrisburg area woman who took part in the Capitol insurrection, allegedly stole Nancy Pelosi’s laptop, and then tried to sell it to Russia. According to DC-based NBC investigative reporter, Scott MacFarlane, Williams, who was released on bail under the supervision of her mother, hopped on the internet and encourage people involved in the insurrection to destroy evidence. MacFarlane reported on Twitter that the U.S. Justice Department told the judge in the case just that as they sought to prohibit Williams’s internet access.
We’re not out of the woods, but PA saw the lowest number of new cases of COVID-19 and the lowest number of deaths in weeks.
On today’s last call: what’s new at Free Will Brewing; Levante Brewing stout haul; cooking with Sean; and other randomness.
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Monday Jan 18, 2021
On this week's episode of Out d'Coup LIVE I am joined by student organizers Paul Berlet, Mattieu Maier, and Samantha Marencik from Kutztown University Activists.
Paul Berlet is a junior Secondary English Education major. He gained grassroots organizing experience working with Kutztown Students for Sanders and most recently with Healthy Campus Bill of Rights, a group of concerned professors, community members, parents, and students that aimed to put pressure on Ku's administration regarding the fall 2020 reopening plan. Paul believes in the power of direct action to be able to empower students and employees to demand dignity from the decision-makers and bosses that continue to put profits over people.
Sam Marncik is a Sophomore Music Education major. She was excited to expand and solidify her political ideology on her arrival at Kutztown. Prior to attending Kutztown, Sam was the president of her high school's gay/straight alliance. At KU, she joined the Bernie Sanders campaign where she began to learn the importance of grassroots organizing. She had always seen herself as a humanitarian but her experience and ability to lead helped propel KUA to the successful organization it is today.
Matthieu Maier is a Sophomore Music Education major at KU. Upon his arrival at KU in 2019, he didn’t have any strong political affiliations. However, events over the past year opened his eyes to the truth of progressive and leftist policy. He believes in the power of the collective and uplifting the working class from the oppression of the ruling class. These beliefs serve as driving forces behind Matthieu’s participation in KUA and desire to ensure safety to all students and employees of KU.
The Kutztown University Activists are a non-hierarchical group of students who formed in response to Kutztown University's negligent reopening this fall. They are fighting to end worker abuse, a safe COVID-19 plan, better student health services, and true student empowerment. KU Activists seek to create a new culture at Kutztown that empowers the students to be able to make changes regarding their own educational experience and the society more broadly.
Monday Jan 11, 2021
Monday Jan 11, 2021
We can only hope that the rest of 2021 doesn’t look like what we experienced this past week. For the first time since 1814, the U.S. Capitol building was stormed by fanatical Trumpsters, QAnon conspiracy theorists, white supremacists, and other right-wing radicals in what was nothing less than an attempted coup. That is exactly what Fiona Hill, the former Senior Director of Trump’s National Security Council called it. While the smell of tear gas was still strong in the Capitol, we already began to hear calls for “moving beyond” the events and return to the good old days of civility. That’s right, even before most of us could even process this right-wing insurrection, we saw lawmakers and pundits put out the call for civility. “This is not the America we all know,” we were told.
Chris Hayes was part of an MSNBC panel the night of the insurrection. He seemed to capture the sense of gaslighting many of us felt as the calls for “a return to normalcy” and “civility” felt. Listen for yourself:
I'll be kicking off the discussion tonight with an article I wrote back in 2018 about the breakdown of democracy in the lead up to the 2016 election. We'll take a look at the failure of liberals to recognize the coming crisis and the need to be prepared to fight to end the clear threat to the future of democracy in the U.S.
My article, "We Are Not All In This Together: A Case for Advocacy, Factionalism, and Making the Political Personal," appeared in the amazing collection, "Unruly Rhetorics: Protest, Persuasion, and Publics," edited by Jonathan Alexander, Nancy Welch, and Susan Jarratt.