#18 - Texas Reps. Cain, Hefner, Swanson, White, and Sen. Hall on the $295 Million MTX Contract

06/02/20 • 48 min

We interview 4 Texas Republican state representatives and a Republican state senator who have concerns about Texas' $295 Million contract with MTX Group.
Governor Abbott has defended the contract, but some legislative Republicans are beginning to have questions. Because Republicans control both the Texas House and Senate, these interviews may reveal a trend in the Republican caucus about where other legislators may come down on the issue.
In order:
- Rep. Briscoe Cain
- Rep. Valoree Swanson
- Rep. Cole Hefner
- Rep. James White
- Sen. Bob Hall

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#17 - Maya Santamaria, Employed Both George Floyd and Alleged Killer Derek Chauvin

We interview Maya Santamaria, a business owner and community leader in Minneapolis who employed both George Floyd and his alleged killer, Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, at the same time in a nightclub she owned.
Santamaria gives us her on-the-ground perspective on the violent protests and riots going on in Minneapolis, who she believes is behind them, and how local business owners are responding. She explains that the police have essentially abandoned the Lake Street area of south Minneapolis. For her explanation of how Latino business owners are taking up arms to protect their businesses after the police have abandoned their community, go to approximately 49:30.
She explains why she feels that local institutions such as the Minneapolis Police Department and the City of Minneapolis have institutional racism problems, and how that affects people of color in south Minneapolis.
For our discussion of her personal experience with George Floyd and Derek Chauvin, go to approximately 20:00 on the video or audio podcast. She explained from her firsthand perspective that, among other things, Derek Chauvin had used excessive force in the past, and seemed to have a particular issue with African-Americans.
She also speaks to George Floyd as a person, and how the community can move forward and learn from what has happened.
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#19 - An Interview With Antifa / Anti-Capitalist Activists From Colorado

*** As a disclaimer I put on all of my interviews: I do not necessarily agree with everything, or even anything, that any of my guests say. My goal with this program is to provide good journalism: to bring out the facts about what is going on in our society.
This interview undoubtedly has some controversial material. Also, there is some bad language used by the guests during the interview. Please be advised beforehand, and use your best judgment in evaluating whatever any of my guests say or claim. Thank you. ***
We interview two Antifa / Anti-Capitalist activists from the Rocky Mountain Youth Liberation Front (YLF) in the area of Denver, Colorado.
They are "S", a man in his early 20s and "H", a woman in her early 20s. They self-identify as communists and advocate for a revolution to change the structure of government in the United States.
The YLF and other such organizations have been a presence in recent protests stemming from the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. "Antifa" has become a widely-searched term, but few have looked into what these groups are or advocate for.
It is important to note that Antifa / anti-fascist / anti-capitalist groups are decentralized and widely distributed, such as YLF groups. "S" and "H" bring to light some of the tactics and views of anti-capitalist, anti-fascist organizations and thus provide a great deal of information about this little-known corner of the political universe.
President Trump has recently called for Antifa to be designated a terrorist organization, although no specifics on how that would be done have yet been released.
Media inquiries: Please use the email given out in the last minute of the podcast.
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