Norm Diamond hosts this episode of the Old Mole, which includes the following segments:
Rural Organizing Project: To commemorate ROP’s 30 years of outstanding political work in rural Oregon, Norm Diamond talks with Sidra Pierson of the ROP staff. They discuss ROP’s history and underlying vision, the range of issues it takes up, and the impact it has. They talk, too, about an exhibit focusing on past and present struggles that will be touring the state as part of the anniversary celebration.
Zinn Centennial: We play selections from the recent celebration of the 100th anniversary of Howard Zinn’s birth. First a humorous clip from Zinn himself on the US government’s advice for how to spot a communist. Then Martin Espada offers a poem based on his friendship with Zinn.
Against Doom: Bill Resnick and Jeremy Brecher discuss the future of human life on this planet in an age of constantly increasing global warming. Bill offers a vision of that future and also contends that two programs, one from our corporate friends, one from the left, are now competing to direct the great mobilization that will be required to maintain a livable planet. Jeremy Brecher analyzes these contentions and then they discuss the implications and strategies for success. Jeremy Brecher is a labor activist, writer and historian, who has extensively studied popular upheavals through U.S history. His most recent book is Against Doom: A Climate Insurgency Manual from PM Press.
- KBOO