How I Joined the CIA – John Kiriakou on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 2/10)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on April 17, 2015. Mr. Kiriakou tells Paul Jay about being recruited to join the CIA in university.
I Believed America Could Do No Wrong – John Kiriakou, Former CIA Official, on RAI (pt 1/10)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on April 16, 2015. Mr. Kiriakou was the first U.S. government official to confirm that waterboarding was an official policy. He spent 23 months in prison after being convicted of passing classified information to a reporter. He speaks to Paul Jay while still under house arrest.
The Pain Doesn’t Go Away – Rachel Corrie’s Parents on Reality Asserts Itself pt 3/3
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced March 27, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Craig and Cindy Corrie tell Paul Jay that in ruling against their claim, the Israeli Supreme Court essentially said that Israel is beyond international law.
The Pain Doesn’t Go Away – Rachel Corrie’s Parents on Reality Asserts Itself pt 2/3
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced March 27, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Craig and Cindy Corrie tell Paul Jay, “people find hope in the work that we’re doing and in the fact that Rachel was there that day, and stood against what was happening to all of those families in the Gaza Strip”.
16th Anniversary of Rachel Corrie’s Murder – Interview With Her Parents pt 1/3
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced March 27, 2015. Sixteen years ago, Israel’s IDF murdered solidarity activist Rachel Corrie as she defended a Palestinian home from demolition; we replay our 2015 interview with her parents, with host Paul Jay.
Malcolm X, Self-Determination and the People’s Movement – Kamau Franklin on Reality Asserts Itself (4/4)
This interview was originally published on March 13, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Franklin discusses the relationship between the mass movement and electoral politics.
Malcolm X, Self-Determination and the People’s Movement – Kamau Franklin on Reality Asserts Itself (3/4)
This interview was originally published on March 10, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Franklin says Malcolm believed the international order benefited Western capitalist interests over the masses of black, brown and oppressed white people.
Malcolm X, Self-Determination and the People’s Movement – Kamau Franklin on Reality Asserts Itself (2/4)
This interview was originally published on March 8, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Franklin discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Malcolm X.
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs – Johann Hari on RAI (2/2)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Hari tells Paul Jay that the conventional understanding of drug addiction is wrong, and alternative drug policy in Portugal and Canada can lead the way. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced March 6, 2015.
Malcolm X, Self-Determination and the People’s Movement – Kamau Franklin on Reality Asserts Itself (1/4)
This interview was originally published on March 4, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Franklin says that after growing up in the projects of Brooklyn, reading the autobiography of Malcolm X changed his life.
What Happened to Making Steel in Baltimore? – Mark Reutter on Reality Asserts Itself (3/3)
This interview was originally published on March 1, 2015. Mark Reutter, author of Making Steel: Sparrows Point and the Rise and Ruin of American Industrial Might, talks about why steel production collapsed across America.
What Happened to Making Steel in Baltimore? – Mark Reutter on Reality Asserts Itself (2/3)
This interview was originally published on February 24, 2015. Mark Reutter, author of Making Steel: Sparrows Point and the Rise and Ruin of American Industrial Might, talks about why steel production collapsed across America.
What Happened to Making Steel in Baltimore? – Mark Reutter on Reality Asserts Itself (1/3)
This interview was originally published on February 23, 2015. Mark Reutter, author of Making Steel: Sparrows Point and the Rise and Ruin of American Industrial Might, talks about why steel production collapsed across America.
Why Build the Green Party? – Jill Stein on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 3/3)
This interview was originally produced on February 17, 2015. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein tells Paul Jay that people need to prepare for a Syriza moment.
Why Build the Green Party? – Jill Stein on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 2/3)
This interview was originally produced on February 16, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein tells Paul Jay that the Green Party will put the campaign in the service of social movements that deserve to be front-and-center in the political dialogue.
Why Build the Green Party? – Jill Stein on RAI (pt 1/3)
This interview was originally produced on February 15, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself, former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein tells Paul Jay that as a doctor/activist, she realized that the two-party political system will not tolerate reform from within.
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs – Johann Hari on RAI (1/2)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Hari tells Paul Jay that from the 1914 legislation criminalizing drugs, to the targeting of singer Billie Holiday, to today’s “War on Drugs”, racism is at the heart of the policy. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced February 6, 2015.
At the Center of a Storm – Irvin Jim on RAI (pt 3/3)
This interview was originally released on January 30, 2015. On Reality Asserts Itself: Workers must build a united front to implement the Freedom Charter, which includes participating in electoral politics; the workers’ movement can’t just be about marching, says Mr. Jim, General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa (NUMSA).
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 8/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on January 20, 2015. Dr. Finkelstein says the BDS movement must take a position on Israel’s right to exist as a state.
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 7/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on January 18, 2015. Dr. Finkelstein discusses the “complicated question” of Israel’s right to regulate the ethnic balance of the state and Palestinian’s right of return.
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 6/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on January 16, 2015. Dr. Finkelstein says there was no way that considerations of his livelihood ever entered into his calculus about whether or not to say something or not say something.
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 5/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on January 15, 2015. Dr. Finkelstein says writing the “Holocaust Industry” changed his life, isolating him academically and making him a target – but he felt he had to take on the subject to defend the legacy of his holocaust survivor parents.
Towards a Green Economy: Private or Public? – Robert Pollin on RAI (8/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says if we let the market operate on its own without some form of major public sector intervention, there’s no chance whatsoever that we’re going to achieve climate stabilization. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 14, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: Tax, Trade, Cap, Deny? – Robert Pollin on RAI (7/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says the politics around climate change has deteriorated; a few years ago even President Bush and Senator McCain were both talking about measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 13, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: Fighting at the Local Level – Robert Pollin on RAI (6/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says no-GDP growth is unrealistic and unnecessary as the way to achieve carbon emission targets – green economists must be advocates of job creation. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 11, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: Green Growth or no Growth? – Robert Pollin on RAI (5/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says no-GDP growth is unrealistic and unnecessary as the way to achieve carbon emission targets – green economists must be advocates of job creation. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 11, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: Is Clean Coal and Carbon Capture an Option? – Robert Pollin on RAI (4/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says there’s no evidence technology will make fossil fuel clean, and it’s more cost-effective to achieve energy efficiency and produce alternative energy. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 9, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: Models That are Working – Robert Pollin on RAI (3/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says Germany runs its economy at twice the energy efficiency as the U.S. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 8, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: Proposal for a Sustainable Plan – Robert Pollin on RAI (2/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Pollin says a global 1.5% of GDP per year investment in energy efficiency is the first step towards achieving necessary targets – but the fossil fuel industry is against it. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 7, 2015.
Towards a Green Economy: How Urgent is It? – Robert Pollin on Reality Asserts Itself (1/8)
Mr. Pollin tells Paul Jay the most likely scenario is that the level of CO2 carbon dioxide emissions are going to be twice the level that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, says is necessary to have a chance to stabilize the climate. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced January 6, 2015.
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 4/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on January 4, 2015. Dr. Finkelstein explains why he endures slings and arrows, being isolated and attacked for his critique of Israel.
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 3/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on December 31, 2014. Mr. Finkelstein on self-deception and the collapse of his identity.
The Making of Norman Finkelstein – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 2/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on December 30, 2014. Mr. Finkelstein talks about his Holocaust survivor parents and their influence in the formation of his early identity.
Corporate Media Perpetuates Climate Science Denial – Gabriel Byrne on RAI Pt 4/4
On Reality Asserts Itself, Gabriel Byrne says that mutant capitalism seeks only profit and corporate media’s agenda avoids the climate crisis; Byrne says its up to us, no superhero will save us – with host Paul Jay. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced November 27, 2017.
Is Israel Unfairly Held to a Higher Standard? Norman Finkelstein on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 1/8)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on December 24, 2014. Norman Finkelstein and Paul Jay discuss a full-page ad in the NYT that says Israel is condemned by liberals for human rights violations while it defends gay rights, and less is said about the persecution of gays by Iran, Hamas and ISIS.
Identity and Collective Denial – Lia Tarachansky on Reality Asserts Itself (3/3)
This interview was originally published on December 19, 2014. Ms. Tarachansky says Israel is ripping itself apart and fascism is celebrating in the ruins.
Identity and Collective Denial – Lia Tarachansky on Reality Asserts Itself (2/3)
This interview was originally published on December 18, 2014. Ms. Tarachansky talks about her journey from growing up in a settlement to opposition to the Israeli occupation.
Identity and Collective Denial – Lia Tarachansky on Reality Asserts Itself (1/3)
This interview was originally published on December 17, 2014. Ms. Tarachansky, TRNN Israel – Palestine correspondent and former Israeli settler, tells Paul Jay about her new documentary film, On the Side of the Road.
Why Eddie Joined the Real News – Eddie Conway on RAI (10/12)
Mr. Conway says that after 44 years in prison, he found the conditions in Baltimore worse than when he went in. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself produced on November 28, 2014.
We Dehumanize Those We Want to Exploit – Eddie Conway on RAI (9/12)
Mr. Conway says police are asked by society to control the poor as if they are fighting a war, so anything goes. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself produced on November 26, 2014.
Culture of the National Security State – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 5/5)
This interview was originally published on October 19, 2014. Dr. Kumar tells Paul Jay that a culture of fear and obedience has developed so we give consent to Cold War policies, to hot wars, to the complete militarization of society.
The Islamophobia of Homeland – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 4/5)
This interview was originally published on October 16, 2014. Dr. Kumar tells Paul Jay that Muslim characters on Homeland are either terrorists, sympathizers of terrorists, or “good Muslims” which means pro-US.
Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 3/5)
This interview was originally published on October 15, 2014. Dr. Kumar says the roots of Islamophobia are to be found in a conflict between empires and economic interests, not a clash of civilizations.
Fighting the Demonization of Muslims – Deepa Kumar on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 2/5)
This interview was originally published on October 14, 2014. Dr. Kumar says after 9/11, with the ratcheting up of anti-Muslim racism, she decided she had to do something about it.
Gaza Under Siege – Eva Bartlett on Reality Asserts Itself Pt 2/2
Eva Bartlett talks about her experiences living in Gaza. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced October 5, 2014, with Paul Jay.
Gaza Under Siege – Eva Bartlett on Reality Asserts Itself Pt 1/2
Eva Bartlett talks about her experiences living in Gaza. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced October 5, 2014, with Paul Jay.
Whistle Blowers, Dissenters, and Progressives are the Patriots – Phil Donahue on RAI (pt 3/3)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on October 3, 2014. On Reality Asserts Itself, Mr. Donahue says we are a nation of laws until we are scared.
Corporate Media is Destroying Democracy – Phil Donahue on Reality Asserts Itself (pt 2/3)
This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on October 2, 2014. Mr. Donahue says that corporate media doesn’t rock the boat; it is the boat.
The Radicalization of Phil Donahue – Reality Asserts Itself (pt 1/3)
Phil Donahue died on August 18, 2024. Mr. Donahue says he believed he was blessed, living in the greatest country on earth – but through hosting his show and speaking to people like Chomsky and the Black Panthers, he came to question what he had thought was true. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself, produced on September 30, 2014.
I Refused to be Treated Like an Animal – Eddie Conway on RAI (8/12)
Mr. Conway says after 44 years in prison, he considered people to be of value and to be respected and refused to be dehumanized himself. This is an episode of Reality Asserts Itself produced on September 16, 2014.