11 chapters across the catalog
Noam Chomsky explains how slavery was reinstituted after the Civil War through the criminalization of black life and the lease of convict labor to industries like U.S. Steel. The discussion connects this history to modern Alabama, where incarcerated people work for private companies like McDonald's and Wendy's. The state takes a 40% cut of their wages, which the hosts characterize as a continuation of the master-slave economic system.
Mo Facts shares his family history, noting his grandfather was a "Gandy Dancer" on the railroad. These African-American laborers used synchronized movements to straighten heavy steel rails. A "caller" would lead the gang with his voice to ensure coordination and safety. Mo argues that this collective effort on a single frequency allowed the men to achieve feats impossible for individuals.
A documentary clip explains that John Henry represents the ability of black men to achieve in the face of extreme odds during the Reconstruction period. Although he died from overexertion after beating the machine, he became a hero symbolizing the strength and spirit of able-bodied men providing for their families.
Adam Curry and Mo Facts open the program on Labor Day, September 5, 2022, discussing their recent hiatus and the transition to securing foundational income. They introduce the "Potluck" theme for the episode, signaling a variety of topics to be covered. The hosts exchange pleasantries regarding a belated birthday and prepare to spin the "wheel of topics."
Steve Bannon explains "carried interest" as a model for giving American citizens a piece of the nation's economic growth. He argues against flooding the labor market with foreign workers and printing money that devalues the dollar. The discussion also touches on controversial efforts in New York to allow non-citizens to vote, which the hosts view as an attack on Black political power.
The arrival of the first Africans in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619 is identified as the starting point for a permanent, hereditary system of slavery tied to race. The discussion highlights how an ideology of white supremacy was constructed to rationalize the transition from indentured servitude to lifelong enslavement. This narrative is described as a tool for mental captivity that persists into the present day.
WASP culture is defined by strict rules of etiquette, such as those found in Emily Post's books. Forbidden words like "lingerie" or "drapes" and the rule against wearing white after Labor Day served as social filters to distinguish "old money" from the "nouveau riche." These subtle manipulations of fashion and language were designed to maintain exclusionary social boundaries.
Paul Robeson, a blacklisted actor and activist, describes how the primary wealth of America was built "upon the backs" of black labor. Robeson argues that a significant portion of America's accumulated wealth belongs to the descendants of those who provided free labor. The segment emphasizes that reparations are not a "handout" but payment for services rendered.
Peter Kirsanow, a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, presents data suggesting that illegal immigration has a devastating impact on the wages and employment levels of low-skilled black men. He claims that up to 40% of the decline in labor force participation among black males is attributable to competition from illegal labor. Kirsanow notes that his attempts to engage the Congressional Black Caucus and President Obama with this data were met with "crickets."
The hosts discuss Donald Trump's "negative vote" strategy, which encourages black voters to stay home rather than support Democrats who have failed to deliver tangible results. They note that many black workers feel "locked out" of the construction industry because labor unions and crews often communicate exclusively in Spanish. This economic reality is presented as evidence that the "black and brown coalition" does not exist in practice.
Barack Obama’s praise for Cesar Chavez is contrasted with Chavez’s actual historical stance on illegal immigration. While Chavez is currently used as a face for the "resistance" and pro-immigration movements, he was historically a staunch opponent of illegal immigration, viewing undocumented workers as union-busters. The segment highlights Chavez's use of derogatory terms for Mexican immigrants who crossed the border to break strikes.
