Socialist Visions
110 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 7 years ago - ★★★★ - 23 ratingsWe discuss, explain, and debate, the visions of a scientific socialist system. Don't let the concept scare you away. Listen, learn, and ask questions.
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Episodes
The Necessity for Cultural Transformation
February 22, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBIn this show, we focus on cultural transformation mean, and why it's important for socialist revolution. Have you lately about the cultural landscape of the U.S., and rest of the world? Culture influences how we think about ourselves, one another, and even the future of our planet. We would discuss why and how it is important that cultural shifts continue to take place in order for humanity to grow and that is sustainable life. Tune into the show. We welcome your phone call. 347-857-1319 "S...
How Important Is the Black Vote for Bernie Sanders?
February 15, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.2 MBIn our continuing series about socialsim and Bernie Sanders, we discuss the importance of the African American vote for Bernie Sanders, especially as Bernie heads into South Carolina. This show is a followup particularly to our show about Bernie and Black Lives Matter that aired last July, and our other show, What We Think of Bernie Sanders' Platform About Racial Justice. Feel free to call in with your views and questions. 347-857-1319
Political Revolution and Class Struggle in the US Presidential Election
February 08, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.3 MBIf you haven't noticed yet, the current US presidential election has at its core a class struggle between the capitalist billionaire class, underpaid workers, the unemployed and the poor. In this episode, we explain why we're calling this election season a class struggle, and what it means for the Bernie Sanders campaign and the masses in general. We invite you to call in and give your views on this topic. 347-857-1319.
Democratic Socialism and Women's Rights
January 25, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBThis episode includes an inteview with Portia A. Boulger of Women4Bernie. Definitely check out their nationwide website for meetups and a wealth of other information. The right wing is waging a war against women, and the only way to fight back is with the objectives and agenda of democratic and revolutionary socialism. In this episode we discuss the Bernie Sanders platform for "Fighting for Women's Rights." We explain how democratic socialism and revolutionary socialism can make a difference...
Bernie Sanders and Reforming Wall Street and the Banks
January 11, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBIn this episode we continue our discussion of the Bernie Sanders platform from a socailist left perspective. The focus this time will be on the banking system, the Federal Reserve, and Wall Street, and how those instutions undermine the economy. We invite you to call in with your questions and insight on this issue. 347-857-1319
Our Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Vote for Bernie Sanders
January 04, 2016 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBThe presidential election is right around the corner, and in this episode, we discuss why we support Bernie Sanders for the Demcratic nomination. We want to emphasize that our support of Sanders is not a support for the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party establishment does not support Bernie Sanders, the PEOPLE support Bernie Sanders. We discuss also why this election is a great opportunity for the left in this country to push for socialism and Bernie's call for political revolution. We i...
Democratic vs an Independent Socialist Party
December 21, 2015 23:00 - 1 hour - 83 MBIn this episode we discuss what it means for Bernie Sanders to run as a candidate in the Demoractic Party, and what it means to build an independent socialist workers party. We'll debate the challenges of building a independent party and pushing the Democratic to the left. This episode will also feature Ashely Smith of the International Socialsit Review. He has written a few articles on why the left should not support the Bernie run. You can read one of his articles here. This show is a con...
Socialism...Seriously! An Interview with Author Danny Katch
December 14, 2015 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBThe concept of socialism is not longer a taboo word any more, and in fact many opinio polls report that a significant amount of people prefer socialism over capitalism. Danny Katch in his well argued, and humorous book, Socialism...Seriously, explains why capitalism is not a sustainable economic system for the planet, and how modern solution can be a better solution. We interview Mr. Katch about his book and what he thinks of the Bernie Sanders presidential run.
Interview with Les Leopold, Author of “Runaway Inequality”
December 07, 2015 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBThis episode will be insightful, much needed look at economic inquality in the US. Author, Les Leopold will be on the show to talk his new book, Runaway Inequality: An Activist’s Guide to Economic Justice, Les Leopold. He will explain how the present economic system undermines the working class and poor in this country, and how in the long run it's destroying the economy. Runaway Inequality is indeed an activist handback, becuase it explains how capitalist economic system works in laymen's te...
Examination of Bernie Sander's "What Democratic Socialism Means to Me"
November 30, 2015 23:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBIn this episode we discuss Bernie Sander's What Democratic Socialism Means to Me speech given at Georgetown Univeristy. We applaud Bernie's speech and his courgeous anlaysis of democratic socialsim and why we need to fight for it. Our analysis will also include an analysis of his speech from a working class and middle class perspective. We invite you to call into the show.
It's Time to Make College Tuition Free and Debt-Free, But How?
November 23, 2015 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBIn our series on evaluating the Bernie Sanders platforms, we foucs on in this epsiode on the goal of making college education tutition free and debt free. Many people are asking how can we have tutition free college. We will cover what Senator Sander's platform is proposing, and then we explain how indeed state sponsored education can be done even in a capitalist econmy— though it would be even better under a socialist economy. Listen and call in wiith your feedback. 347-857-1319.
Bernie Sanders: Income and Wealth Inequality
November 02, 2015 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBThis is second part in a series in which we explore and expand on the political platforms of Bernie Sanders. In this episode, we would talk about the all-important issue of income and wealth inequality, which we see as the basis of so many of the social and economic ills facing this country and the rest of the world. As we always do, you will also propose how modern socialism could reduce economic inequality. We invite your feedback to the show.
Interview with Author and Activists, Bill Fletcher, Jr.
October 20, 2015 01:00 - 1 hour - 71.6 MBBill Fletcher Jr has been an activist since his teen years. Upon graduating from college he went to work as a welder in a shipyard, thereby entering the labor movement. Over the years he has been active in workplace and community struggles as well as electoral campaigns. He has worked for several labor unions in addition to serving as a senior staffperson in the national AFL-CIO. Fletcher is the former president of TransAfrica Forum; a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies; an ...
What We Think of Bernie Sanders' Platform About Racial Justice
October 12, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.2 MBIn light of the continue attack and murder of Black people in this coutry by racist cops, Bernie Sanders released a platform about what he plans to do about racial injustice. We will spend this episode putting racial injustice in context of the present day police brutality and discussing what his platform means for Black communities and communities of color in this country.
Why the Black Panther Party Advocated for Socialism
October 05, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBThe Black Panther Party was one of the most militant, influenetial, respected, and targeted Black Nationalist groups during the 60s and 70s. As part of its ten point program, the BPP essentially advocated for an end to capitalism, and replacing it with the objectives of socialism. We will discuss why and how this program is still relevant to today.
How Do We Transform to Real Scientific Socialism?
September 28, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.2 MBThough many people still can't invision the United States as being a socialist country, the popular support of Bernie Sanders does show that people want a political economy that works in the interests of all people, and not just in the interests of a small property owning class. To this end, we discuss in this episode how the US might move from a capitalist/imperialist impire to a socialist political economy that really works for the people, and a better world overall.
Recommended Books About Capitalism and Socialism
September 21, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBIn this episode, we share books we've read over the years that are useful for understanding and critiquing capitalism and socialism. We will be recommending both classic and contemporary books that are assessable to general readers. We invite you to call in with their own recommendations. 347-857-1319.
10 Myths and Mis-Understandings About Socialism
September 14, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBThere's lots of misunderstanding and misconceptions about the theories and practices of socialism — its history and implications for the future. In this episode we provide some analysis of how socialism evolved, what were and are some of its strengths and weaknesses, and what needs to be done to have real socialism in the future. This show is extension follows a previous show about the difference between democratic socialism and revolutionary socialism.
An Examination of Bernie Sander's Presidential Platform
September 07, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBIn this episode we will discuss why Bernie's presidential platform is important whether he wins the election or not, and what it means for the US, the world eonomy overall. If you don't know, his platform includes the following: Universal healthcareFree/affordable public collegeTransform our energy systemOverturn Citizens UnitedRaise the minimum wage to $15End the war on drugsRebuild our crumbling instructorRaise taxes on the 1%Stop endless military spendingExpand Social SecurityEnd police br...
Socialism and the 20 Hour Work Week!?
August 31, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBNote: we apologize for the technical issues with this show. Most of the show can be heard, but there were drops in audio, but of the most show is still clear enough to be heard. In this episode, we discuss why we ultimately need a 20 hour week. It's difficult to imagine people actually working less and not more. We will discuss the problems and challenges of work in a capitalist society, and how a shift from the 40-hour work week would lead to greater freedom and choices for all people. Cal...
The Role of Socialists in the Democratic Party
August 24, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBFollowing up on your discussion last week about the difference the Democratic Party and socialism, we will discuss in this episode the role of socialists in the Democratic Party, especially now that Bernie Sanders, a Democratic Socialist, is running for president of the United States.
The Difference Between Socialists and Democrats
August 17, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBChris Matthews, In a interview with DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Chris Matthews asked her what is the difference between democratic and socialist. She stumbled and couldn't answer the question. In this episode, we explain what the difference is, and will also explain the general differences between democratic socialism and revolutionary socialism. Tune and listen. The scond half of the show will be open for questions and comments.
Bernie Sanders and Left Opportunities
August 03, 2015 22:00 - 1 hour - 66 MBIn this episode, we discuss how the left, both in the US and internationally can take advantage of the Bernie Sanders presidency. How can Bernie's platform be used to further build a grassroot movement that calls for the objectives of socialism? What are some of the obstacles that Sanders and the left face in the capitalist poltical arena? What can the left do beyond the presidential election?
How Bernie Sanders Needs to Understand BlackLivesMatter
July 20, 2015 22:00 - 40 minutes - 36.1 MBIn our last episode, we discussed the importance and our support of Bernie Sanders running for POTUS, especially in regards to democratic socialsim. In this episode, we discuss the how important it is for Bernie to speak out directly race and racism and to align his campaign with the BlackLivesMatter movement, the most significant civil rights movement since the Civil Rights Movement. Tune and listen.
Bernie Sanders Needs Wide Grassroots Support
July 06, 2015 22:00 - 31 minutes - 28.3 MBThough we're clear that Bernie Sanders will not bring about socialist revolution in this country, his populice platform and vision is very much needed to challenge the out-of-control dominance of the capitalist system and its continuous privatization of all basic necessities. Bernie is not Barack Obama, and he is to the left of Hillary Clinton, who nothing more than a neo-liberal politican for Wall Street and the capitalist class. Listen to this show to find out more we think you should vote...
Strategies for Socialist Transformation
June 22, 2015 22:00 - 32 minutes - 29 MBIn this episode, we dicuss the various strategies for a socialist transformation. Is it a single strategy or do we need to a diversity of strategies. And why do we need a strategy?
Our Review of the Left Forum
June 15, 2015 22:00 - 30 minutes - 27.4 MBWe attended the Left Forum (http://www.leftforum.org) in New York a few weeks ago, and in this episode we talk about the trip, the presentations we attended, and our review of the forum. (
A 10 Point Program for the Left
May 18, 2015 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.9 MBIn our last episode we discussed what it means for Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist, to run in the presidential race. If the left is serious about supporting Sanders, we propose a modest 10 point agenda that Sanders and the left should push in the campaign and beyond. Without a clear vision of what we on the left want, we will end up with nothing. Could the Sanders run become a real people's movement?
Can Bernie Sanders Win?
May 11, 2015 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode we discuss our views of Bernie Sanders's run for POTUS. You may or may not know, but Sanders is the only politician in Congress is a self-proclaimed "democratic socialist." We'll discuss what that means for this election, and what it means for the left in general.
Housing Under Capitalism and Socialism
April 27, 2015 22:00 - 30 minutes - 27.4 MBAs with past discussions about education, food, and worker's wages, this episode will focus on the issue of housing under capitalism, and how it could be different under socialism.
A Left Perspective of the Middle East
April 06, 2015 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, we'll have a general discussion of the recent US and Iran nuclear deal and process. And we'll have a general discussion on other issues about the Middle East.
The Criminal Justice System Under Capitalism and Socialism
March 30, 2015 22:00 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss the so-called criminal justice system under capitalism, and how it could be different under a socialist system.
Food and Food Production Under Capitalism and Socialism
March 16, 2015 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.5 MBFood and health have a become a serious challenge for poor and working class people in the US and around the world. In this episode we will unpact how capitalism influences production, distribution, and consumption of food, and how a socialist economy could make things different.
The Role of Education of Capitalism and Socialism
March 02, 2015 23:00 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, we'll discuss how the education system functions under a capitalist system, and ways it could be different under a socialist system.
The Media Under Capitalism and Socialism
February 23, 2015 23:00 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, we will continue to discuss the role of the media under capitalism and socialism. We discuss, explain and debate the use of the media in advocating for a socialist revolution.
News and Analysis: Selma and the Social Justice Movement
February 02, 2015 23:00 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, we'll give our assessment of the movie, Selma, and why the movement is still pertinent to today. If you have not seen the movie, we highly urge you to do so.
Capitalism and Slavery In 2015
January 12, 2015 23:00 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss the history of capitalism and and slavery and relavance today's economic system. Though slavery in the US was legally abolished over 200 years ago, forms of economic enslavement and capitalist control over people's lives still exist. Listen in to find out what we mean.
Why Scientific Socialism?
January 05, 2015 23:00 - 31 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode we discussed why real socialism must be truely based democratic principals and the scientific method of managing resources.
Cuba, Socialism, and the US: What Does It All Mean?
December 29, 2014 23:00 - 32 minutes - 29 MBRecently, President Obama reestablished relationship with Cuba with the freeing of the remaining Cuban Five, and prisoner exchange. We will discuss the meaning of this possible historic event?
Review of Capitalism In the 21st Century
December 08, 2014 23:00 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MBIn today’s episode, we review Thomas Picketty's best selling book, Capitalism In the 21st Century, which explains the impact of the economic wealth cap in the US and other parts of the world. We'll provide our take on where Picketty correct in his analysis, and what he leaves out or is incorrect about. Whether or not you have read the book, you'll gain insight from our review.
Ferguson: Making Clear Concise Demands
December 01, 2014 23:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode, we revisit White supremacy, racism in the criminal justice system, and why clear precise demands are needed. We thoroughly applaud the protests in support of Ferguson around the country, especially the involvement of young people from various walks of life. But we also want to propose that clear concise demands come out of this movement so it's provided better understanding of its objectives. Listen in on the show and tell us what you think.
From Electoral Politics to Socialism
November 10, 2014 23:00 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, we dicuss why it's important for people to get involved in the political process especially on the local level, and how such involvement can ultimately help bring about socialism. In part of our discussion, we will talk about socialist city council woman Kshama Sawant in Seattle as an example of what local political involement means.
Part II: How Can Socialism Help Dismantle Institutionalized Racism
November 03, 2014 23:00 - 31 minutes - 27.7 MBIn last week's show, we defined what and how institutionalized racism works. In this part 2, we will discuss how socialism can help dismantle institutionalized racism.
How Can Socialism Help Dismantle Institutionalized Racism
October 27, 2014 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this episode, we discuss what racism is, and how real socialism could help dismantle the institutionalized racism.
News and Analysis From a Socialist Perspective
October 20, 2014 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.8 MBThis is your news and analysis segment, with a focus on Ferguson, ISIS, and the recent Moving Social Justice Conference.
Environmentalism and The Limits of Growth
September 26, 2014 22:00 - 30 minutes - 27.4 MBA week after the People’s Climate March in NYC, we discuss the impact of the growing environmentalism movement, how capitalism is destroying the environment, and how a real socialist transformation must be a system that works for both the people and the planet. We must seize the momement for real change.
Less Work and More Leisure Under Socialism
September 19, 2014 22:00 - 31 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode we discuss how we all could work less and be more productive under a technologically driven socialist economy and society. Today there are over 7 billion people on the planet, but yet the majority of us work just as hard and as long as we were working a hundred years ago. While technology has automated many of the jobs and tasks people used to perform, technlogical unemployement under capitalism has lead to more unemployment, lower pay, and more work hours—that is, except for ...
The Role of Property Under Capitalism
September 12, 2014 22:00 - 30 minutes - 6.81 MBIn this episode we explore the role of property under capitalism, and how it serves to empower the rich land owning class. We discuss the impact of the privatization of land resources, and what it does to the economy and people in general. And finally we discuss how the concept of ownerhip could be different under a socialist economic system.
What's Required to Build a Movement for Real Change
September 05, 2014 22:00 - 31 minutes - 6.9 MBIn this episode we will discuss what is required to build a sustainable movement for real economic and political change. We will talk about the eight stages of movement building, and what can be learned from the Civil Rights Movement, the Occupy Movement, and the movement currently underway in Ferguson, MI.
Reform and Revolution: From Ferguson to Gaza
August 29, 2014 22:00 - 31 minutes - 6.9 MBIn this episode, we continue to discuss why reform strategies (electorial politics and local engagement) and socialist revolution are essentail for chaning the conditions of poor communities in this country and throughout the world. We examine why poor, working class African communities like Ferguson are hit hard by racism, police brutatlity, high unemployment, and poor education, and what needs to be done.