The Leftscape Podcast: ‘Bill Lutz on Countering the Far Right (Episode 58)’

Bill Lutz has worked in U.S. state, local, and county-level government, has taught subjects including rhetoric and argument, and served on the Gilmore Commission in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack to develop counterterrorism measures. He took notice when a conference claiming to be dedicated to combating racism, violence, and authoritarianism scheduled to take place in Pitman, New Jersey listed a host of far-right speakers on their schedule. In a conversation with Robin Renée, he tells the story of the groundswell of protest against the event that caused its first planned venue to cancel. He shares his understanding of how hate groups arise and gives his thoughts on countering the far-right by repairing systemic issues and using creative, non-violent protest.

On a much lighter note, in the “Why is This Awesome?” segment, Mary McGinley tells us about what she likes about the Shakespeare-inspired Scotland, PA. In “All the News We Can Handle,” Wendy Sheridan finds hope in the impressive and moving Climate Strike, the fallout from the whistleblower complaint about Donald Trump’s phone call to Ukraine continues to grow wildly, and “Stairway to Heaven” is back in court for possible copyright infringement.

October gives us may reasons for awareness and/or celebration including LGBT History Month, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, World Menopause Month, Self-Promotion Month, and Bat Appreciation Month. It is also the month for Domestic Violence Awareness, Family Sexuality Education, Toilet Tank Repair, Squirrel Awareness, and Sarcastic Awareness (yeah, right). World Space Week is happening now, ending on October 10. Birthday shout outs go to Alan Semok, The Dummy Doctor (and Mary’s husband!) Sting, Gwen Stefani, India.Arie, A$AP Rocky, Russell Simmons, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Thom Yorke, Jesse Jackson, and others.

The Leftscape – the shape of progressive conversation: “Bill Lutz on Countering the Far Right (Episode 58)”