#1404 Democracy Under Siege (Voting and Protest Rights)

Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy

Air Date 3/12/2021

Today we take a look at the multiple tactics being implemented in an attempt to undermine the entire concept of democracy because adhering to the will of the majority and allowing for unfettered protests is currently working to the distinct disadvantage of the Republican Party. Most people see the right to vote and to protest as foundational to a functioning democracy, others see them as impediments to their divine right to rule.

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Transcript

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Guest Sarah Repucci of Freedom House on 'democracy under siege' Part 1 - The Bradcast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 3-8-21

Sarah Repucci explains the factors that have helped drive the grim decline in freedoms and democracy in the U.S. and other areas of the world in recent years, which countries are most at risk and why the United States has dropped in the rankings.

Ch. 2: Republicans Launch 253 Voter Suppression Bills - David Pakman Show - Air Date 3-2-21

Republicans launch 253 voter suppression bills across the country, realizing they didn't suppress enough votes in the 2020 election.

Ch. 3: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown + Akela Lacy Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21

Journalists Alleen Brown and Akela Lacy on their report "State Legislatures Make “Unprecedented” Push on Anti-Protest Bills" for The Intercept, and in a Moment of Truth, Jeff Dorchen empathizes with savages and samurai.

Ch. 4: RED ALERT: Anti-Protest Bills Popping Up Everywhere - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-19-20

Anti-protest bills of all kinds are popping up in numerous states across the United States.

Ch. 5: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown + Akela Lacy Part 2 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21

Ch. 6: Ari Berman on the Attack on Voting Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-12-21

Do elite media think that whether or not the US, in 2021, under pressure from racists, goes back on the whole “one person one vote” thing is a legitimate topic for debate?

Ch. 7: A New Form of Jim Crow: Ari Berman on the GOP's Anti-Democratic Assault on Voting Rights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-2-21

Across the U.S., Republican lawmakers have introduced more than 250 bills in 43 states aimed at restricting voting access. Ari Berman, author and reporter for Mother Jones, says Republicans are “breaking democracy” with their push to restrict voting.

Ch. 8: The Architect of The For The People Act (H.R. 1) Part 1 - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-28-21

Larry Lessig speaks with Representative John Sarbanes, the architect of the For The People Act (H.R. 1). The two dive into the provisions of this critically important piece of legislation to fix our democracy and what to expect in the months ahead.

Ch. 9: Fight GOP Voter Suppression Laws - Best of the Left Activism

Stand up against efforts to suppress the vote and subvert our democracy!

Ch. 10: Democracy Strikes Back 'For the People' v. For the GOP Fraudsters Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-4-21

Democracy strikes back against the anti-democracy GOP, because every democracy story these days includes Republican fraud or attempted voter suppression. House Democrats passed H.R.1 -- the 'For the People Act' -- with zero Republican votes.

MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 11: Guest Sarah Repucci of Freedom House on 'democracy under siege' Part 2 - The Bradcast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 3-8-21

Sarah Repucci explains the factors that have helped drive the grim decline in freedoms and democracy in the U.S. and other areas of the world in recent years, which countries are most at risk and why the United States has dropped in the rankings.

Ch. 12: The Architect of The For The People Act (H.R. 1) Part 2 - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-28-21

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 13: Critiquing charitable giving - Maureen from Boston

FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on the deep humanity of patronizing patriotism

TAKE ACTION!

Learn about H.R. 1 & H.R. 4

Common Cause H.R. 1 Campaign - Text & Phonebank & Resources

Demand Elimination of the Filibuster

Follow Your State Legislature & Contact State Reps, Senators and Governor

Support Opponents of Suppressionists in Public Office

Vote Riders - Help Fight Suppression & Help Voters Get IDs They Need

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

For the People Act Is Needed to Stop New GOP Voter Suppression Bills (Teen Vogue)

Annotated Guide to the For the People Act of 2021 (Brennan Center for Justice)

How to Restore and Strengthen the Voting Rights Act (Brennan Center for Justice)

Blue States Suppress the Vote, Too (The New Republic)

Republicans Are Taking Their Voter Suppression Efforts to New Extremes (Mother Jones)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman

MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

• Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
• Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
• Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
• Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE:

Description: Circular protest sign held in the air by a pair of hands with the words "Voting is a Human Right. Stand for Freedom. Join the Fight!"

Credits: "December 10 march for voting rights" (2011) by Michael Fleshman (Flickr) | License | Changes: Cropped

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

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