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SPEAKER 3
All right, welcome everybody to our weekly Midas Touch Network speaking series. I'm here with Anand Giridotis. You all know him from the Inc. right here on Substack. And Anand, on your Substack today, I saw also celebrating, what, two decades from when you were You first wrote at the New York Times. The article is still up right now.
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And you wrote this piece today reflecting back on what it was like to start as a journalist then, what it's like now, kind of the mixed feelings that you have, but the importance of being an independent reporter and keeping your independence. And, you know, one of the things I've always respected about your work
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in addition to the content that I agree with your thesis that you've been talking about, especially as it relates to the dangers of the oligarchy. But Anand, you've been calling this out now since the beginning of your career. This isn't, you're jumping on the oligarchs are bad fad.

Ben Meiselas and Anand Giridharadas on Fearless Reporting

A recording from MeidasTouch Network's live video

In this must-listen Meidas Meet Up on Substack Live, Ben and Brett Meiselas sit down with bestselling author and renowned journalist Anand Giridharadas for a powerful conversation about the dangers of oligarchy, the unchecked influence of billionaires, and the urgent fight for democracy. Anand has been at the forefront of exposing how wealth and power are manipulated to undermine the public good—insights that have profoundly influenced the work of the MeidasTouch Network.

From the erosion of democratic norms to the manufactured narratives that prop up the ultra-wealthy, this discussion pulls no punches in dissecting the forces threatening the future of America. If you care about holding the powerful accountable, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

You can follow Anand on Substack here:

Consider joining MeidasPlus as a paid subscriber today to get more exclusive content like this!

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Remember to add the MeidasTouch Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Discussion about this video

User's avatar
Anand Giridharadas's avatar

Thank you for having me. It's "we the people," not "they the oligarchs." Onward together!

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Kimberly Leader's avatar

Your suggestion of people in the community to get together so you don't feel alone is exactly what we are doing. Thank you for a great interview and I look forward to following you.

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Carol McIntosh's avatar

Yes, he's suggesting the formation of a grass roots social movement.

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Jane's avatar

Great perspective and information! Thank you so much!

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Steve Raymond's avatar

You are so easy and fun to listen to, so please be a regular on Meidas.

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Linda Wilson-Gordon's avatar

I had a dear friend who spent his "retirement" years instructing classes all over the world about the dangers of Fascism. You may be interested in some of his videos: https://www.markhancock.com/ Sadly, he passed last year.

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Debby Malone's avatar

Thank you for impeccable journalism!!

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Ed Garland's avatar

Yes, Sir. Thank you!

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Here for History's avatar

Thank you for having on Anand! I am a member of The Ink, as well, and can't recommend it enough. Love seeing the crossover. Thanks for giving us hope guys... solidarity!

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Barbara Olson's avatar

FREE AMERICA! Thank you for this conversation.

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Oaktown's avatar

How 'bout it, MTN merch?

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Sarah Coleman-Craig's avatar

Anand has been killing it for a long time. I have received a profound amount of courage both personally and professionally from his writings. These alliances are really important. Independent talking heads are what we are counting on right now. Thank you.

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Deana Wright's avatar

Excellent interview and I whole-heartedly agree with Anand about what MTN is doing for this country! These interviews, the knowledge, the sharing... It's about like minded people coming together.. IN THE KNOW! Let's do this together and remind Americans that we already beat a King, and damn sure a rent willing to give it up to another! #INTHEKNOW

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Serena Chao's avatar

You are all doing amazing work. 🙏

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Ed Garland's avatar

Agree!

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K WEBSTER's avatar

Good to see Meidas and Anand Giridharadas having this conversation - seeing the work of a diverse, fact -based, brave media force that understands that now is the time to unite to push back. And media was key to this moment. We don't need 100% agreement on every issue. We just need to understand the threat that is here now. It grew out of capitalism, but it has warped into neoliberalism's Thatcher's "there is no society, there is only the individual". Laid the path to the unwitting agreement - there is no "public good" there is only the individual making oneself into a piece of capital. Onward and thank you all.

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Sandy W's avatar

My 22 year old daughter understands this concept about the corrosive impulse of individuality and not understanding we are all in this world together.

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Dwain  Bostic Sr.'s avatar

No one will ever understand the power behind what voter suppression can do. It will come out we need to be vigilant and protect the vote

Several states have passed laws that allow anyone to challenge a voters right to vote (True The Vote) has been passing out lists of people’s name to challenge in SWING STATES

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Moe song's avatar

We need to call our representatives and tell them to stop the save act - it will really interfere with our elections if they pass it! There is a great app called 5 calls - it helps you make the calls to your representative- you pick the issue - they supply the phone numbers / the script and it’s very quick- it takes like two minutes!

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Here for History's avatar

Symbolism is so key... FREE AMERICA! That is brilliant. Need tees, hats, bags, buttons etc.

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RENEE  WALKER's avatar

Loved this idea about tee shirts to Free America. Let’s do it!!!

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Janice Merrifield's avatar

Trumps whole plan is to be the dictator because he likes people to be in pain and starving and dictators will never stop.

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Linda Wilson-Gordon's avatar

They can be stopped.

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Diane Newman's avatar

trump is mentally ill and I don't say this lightly. He is also a manipulator and narcissist. He reminds me of my dementia patients. They are not mentally able to process, so to argue with someone like that is a losing battle. So as a caregiver- I would avoid conflict with them, or distract them, or just go along with it until they changed gears or mindset. This relates to Trump's behavior flipping and flopping around and his handlers reaction to it. He is not mentally stable and especially as president. Btw there is a documentary from 2020 about him called Unfit-- worth watching.

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Melissa Mann's avatar

Thank you…I’m heading to a gathering of Johnson County (Kansas City) Democratic Women now!

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Susan Troy's avatar

Keep this going. I just passed on a bunch of info, Substacks, etc., to people in my dance class who, it turns out, were desperate for information about what they could do. This is going to be increasingly important. I'm in a book group with Faithful America, learning about autocrats and how to resist them. When I mentioned Substack, nobody had heard about it, and they were grateful for the information. You never know where you can help get information out.

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MJRafanello's avatar

This is a keep and rewatch many times sort of episode. Thank you.

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JK102's avatar

Very much agree

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Sandy Roberts's avatar

I’ve considered using a large safety pin attached to your collar or lapel or sleeve as a symbol of resistance. It could have a little ribbon on it or not. It could be a a color. It would signal solidarity. It could start a conversation. Please no hats!

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Debby Malone's avatar

Blue and yellow ribbon like the breast cancer pink curved circle!

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Cindy's avatar

I saw a t-shirt that said, "We are the economy."

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Deanna's avatar

I had wished the “left” all these independent media groups on podcasts, YouTube etc had got together and traveled across the country two years ago having huge conferences like CPAC. Instead I felt like every podcast I listened to were all little competing companies.

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Kathy Santoro's avatar

Did anyone see that Russia has been bombarding Ukraine with Hypersonic Missiles that have no defense from? No? Because no one is reporting it. Surprise, surprise after Trump pulled out all support for Ukraine. This is despicable call Congress!

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Deborah's avatar

Free America!

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Bill Reitz's avatar

Its not bad!

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Bill Reitz's avatar

Anand Ghiradhada author of Winners Take all The Elite Charade of changing the world. Clueing everyone in to the fallacy of the philanthropic beneficent oligarch.

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Larry Schmidt's avatar

Thank you for Exposing the Corruption and Greed So Early on. Bill Gates has kept his good Ideals.

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Max's avatar

I agree with you on Gates. I also believe Ted Turner to be a good billionaire who was incredibly visionary. No nukes, combat global warming, take care of the UN (giving them a billion dollars) and being a visionary for a safer and better world. Ted cares for the world and the people. In Ted days of CNN they reported the news and mot just an opinion channel. Ted did so much that has lasting impacts yet the younger generations don’t even know him.

Ted Turner has lived a life Saving Everything and committed to making the world a better place. We need another Ted to set the example that wealth can be used for good deeds. Sadly that’s missing today. Loved Jane the other night accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award!!

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Leah Foo's avatar

Letting the wolves free endangers all the sheep. TRUTH!!

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Danielle Molleur's avatar

This needs to be shared EVERYWHERE!

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tangrill varner's avatar

Stop going on Morning Joe!

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Maggi's avatar

Completely fascinating. Didn't know about Anand and his perspectives before. Off to read his work. This has really given me focus. I'm thinking: extreme wealth is theft, and remembering what Anand said: billionaires are not signposts to your own success, they're roadblocks. Thank you so much for this introduction and for putting words on some very strong instincts I've been having.

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Janet Miller's avatar

So NATO had to scramble planes because of huge drone attacks on the Ukraine power grid. Thanks trump!!

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Sterlingideas's avatar

I love the idea of reframing our efforts as bringing back freedom .. 💙

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Sally Richman's avatar

What Anand said about how change can shake people up and cause distress in their lives, even if it's welcome, is a big truth and not attended to. Many years ago I read 'Loss and Change', a book by Peter Marris, a British sociologist who taught at the UCLA Urban Planning program in the 1970-80s. It affected my life, and helped me understand why change is resisted by so many.

There are better ways to create societal change and improve our lives. Attending to the disruption and grief of powerless communities resulting from top down, insensitive social change programs was a radical idea in the early 1970s. The disability rights movement saying of 'Nothing about us without us' expresses well an alternative approach. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315755397/loss-change-psychology-revivals-peter-marris

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juan gomez's avatar

I totally agree that the biggest billionaires like Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg are a road block for our own success.

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Donvine's avatar

Please call for support for Ukraine

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bettievanoverbeke's avatar

In US needed connections as well , startup in a garage, your parent's were rich enough to afford a big garage

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Jan Poscovsky's avatar

Great conversation that gives me hope. This article supports what Anand was saying about organizing. It's from 2019 but hopefully still relevant. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190513-it-only-takes-35-of-people-to-change-the-world

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Bambi Vargo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. My fear is that the cheap hood will send provocateurs into massive peaceful protests to incite violence, giving him just the excuse he is waiting for to call for martial law.

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JK102's avatar

Thanks. I’ll have a look

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Diane E.'s avatar

Always look forward to Anand and his ability to bring us back to reality. I was having an angry, frustrating week; the guys and my morning coffee brought some perspective. I am actually running for inspector of elections in my voting district...baby steps. Have been attending my local Dem group and was inspired to take on the role. The last two meetings have been standing room only. A movement is growing...

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Vicki Anderson's avatar

Yes I followed him after seeing him on the Joy Reid show, thank you sir for keep on keeping on, thank you for warning us😊

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Rachel C's avatar

Excellent discussion! Community! Community! Community!

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ardy doublebee's avatar

You all have been calling balls and strikes forever. Dems are broken because "they are a big umbrella" which means there's no common principles, because some are Corporists. A step away from oligarchs, really. Dem leaderships can not and won't hear anything from constituents and/or party members.

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Patricia Ryan's avatar

Ben, I think that you guys taking a lead in developing a community response — t-shirts, hats, pins, etc. — would be very helpful!

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sandy's avatar

FREE AMERICA

IM IN THE KNOW buttons

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sandy's avatar

LETS DO IT!!!

FREE AMERICA

IM IN THE KNOW BUTTONS

come on brothers. Lead US a💕💕💕💕💕

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Edythe Thompson's avatar

Even though I sometimes fantasize about winning the lottery, I believe trouble follows that kind of money. I would never know who my friends were if they weren’t my friends before, and it might change me so much that I’d spend all my time being afraid I’d lose it.

One person I used to know said that when a friend of his became wealthy, the friend and his family planned their lives around making sure they didn’t get kidnapped. That sure limits one’s activities and associations.

Who needs that?

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JP's avatar
Mar 7Edited

great interview! I love anand's perspective and insights. free america! 🫶🏼

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Lonnie E's avatar

Crimes of Big Money in Politics

🔸Endless war in every country for endless profit

🔸Endless destruction of the environment for endless profit

🔸Endlessly pit society against itself to hide in plain sight for endless profit

"Consequences of Capitalism", Noam Chomsky, Preface

https://open.substack.com/pub/simonwdc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=280c3q

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THD333's avatar

This is a great point - the oligarchs are stealing the American dream - GREAT POINT - this is the biggest issue - small businessses suffer because these oligarchs are not mentors they are destroyers

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James G. Hermsen's avatar

I believe so much in what you do and share it with others all the time with people I meet strangers and friends. I have now decided to make "business cards" with the links to Meidas Touch and Substack. I hope it does not violate any laws but I am going to continue to leave these calling cards for Democracy in places where they may be found.

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Eric Toft's avatar

So it’s still the love and greed of money and power that drives an oligarchy.

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Oaktown's avatar

Anne Applebaum sez when democracies are overtaken by tyrants, the oligarchs who cozied up to and supported them are almost always replaced by lifelong loyalists or family members in short order. She sez the Bezoses and Zuckerbergs of the world are making a huge mistake in not recognizing that historical truth.

I am furious with all of them; they have the power and money to save our democracy and no understanding whatsoever of history or human nature. The hubris is suffocating and the cowardice stinks to hell. Stupid little teenage boys who never grew up. I hope Numbnuts throws them all under a Tesla truck driven by Elon and it explodes before he exits.

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Josee's avatar

The rise of the right wasn’t quick. The IDU has been advising 47, Orban and many for decades now..

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Kathleen's avatar

This was excellent! Anand is brilliant and offers some excellent direction. His books provide some great insights on the state of the world generally, hugely influenced by neoclassical economic theory and the politics that support oligarchies.

MeidusTouch, you are a growing force to be reckoned with and a truth-teller to citizens. Thx.

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Marianne Clelland's avatar

god bless you all, for the excellent information, reporting and support

it keeps us sane and held to balance the cuckoo times we are living in

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Carol McIntosh's avatar

Please interview history professor Cheryl Cox Richardson about what we should do now.

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RuthieM's avatar

What Anand said about the billionaires needing to keep us where we are was exactly what I was thinking when the President did the garbage truck stunt. The message was, you’re good right where you are - no need to strive for anything greater!

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Bill Reitz's avatar

Thanks for preaching the word Anand. It is always good to hear your opinion and confidence that we CAN do something about this.

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Christine B Lewis's avatar

Freedom fighters!🙋🏼‍♀️💙💪🏻

I’m listening and learning!

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John Nesbit's avatar

Where do I get my hat and badge?

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Margaret Redus's avatar

billionaire disease

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Tom Slabe's avatar

I so agree that billionaires are roadblocks to others realizing their dreams.

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Kimberly Leader's avatar

In my community we are already forming groups and get togethers to join together and not feel isolated.

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John Nesbit's avatar

Where is your community?

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Leah Foo's avatar

This is activism! Let's go!!

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Pat Caracena's avatar

makes sense what he said we can do to get the message out

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Cindy's avatar

I feel like people think rich=genius. They are in awe over the "genius" they perceive these small set of people to have.

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Deanna's avatar

This is the match up I’ve been waiting for!

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Michell Chisham's avatar

Free America!

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Laurel Yatsko's avatar

Correct, Musk and the billbros...are not the heros of individualism...it is all about greed and cruelty. Very much with them it is about who you know and not what you know. The N. American myth of doing it on your own...is out of reach for the majority of us.

We can, if we stand together, can make a difference and block the Billbros...As mentioned here, follow the Wisdem.org. Wisc is already organized to block the MAGGOP takeover

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Vicki Anderson's avatar

I shall look for the ink!😊

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Vicki Anderson's avatar

So it is a good thing to try and hurt their pocketbook? Is that the language that they understand? 😳

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Julie's avatar

Thx

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sandy's avatar

BE OUR BIG BROTHERS THAT WE HAVE ALWAYS WANTED AND NEED RIGHT NOW

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Danny Barlow's avatar

I know the the Right wingers coopted a revolutionary war flag (Don't Tread on Me). I would love to see the left do the same. I love the Maine/Massachusetts Pine Tree flag (also coopted but didn't get much traction on the right). I would love to see that white pine tree flag with Free America across the top instead of an appeal to heaven. I do love the John Locke Reference but it would probably be lost on most.

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Pamela Poniatowski's avatar

Thank you, this was excellent!

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Vivien Fiset's avatar

"I'm in the Know" ...please make a T-shirt and I will buy it and wear it all about my small town. I am 75 year sold and fear for my grankids. I tell my friends and family to watch Meidas Touch and the other pro democracy networks frequently. Thanks for all you are doing.

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Allison Sharma's avatar

I’m all in on Free America. Let’s get that going!

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Bj Menter's avatar

Sorry to use a Biblical phrase - but people are worshipping false idols. In the 60's and 70's we were busy in protesting the war, starting to grow the feminist movement, starting the environmental awareness movement. Then the 80's came and it became about the ME movement tied to materialism. We started worshipping tech and tech gurus. The average person doesn't really understand computers and how it traps us, and how it manipulates us and the world around us. We are sheep.

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Marlene - Educator At Large's avatar

I just read a morning update from Meidas Touch around the potential closure of the Department of Education. The acronym used in the article was DOE. DOE is the Department of Energy. Please use the correct acronym - The Department of Education is ED. It doesn’t look good for credibility if you use the wrong acronym.

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Ed Garland's avatar

Well done!

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Ed Garland's avatar

Spot on video. Very informative. This is my first intro to Anand. Super awesome! Thank you!

People who voted for Trump salivated at the thought he was going to hurt "them." Today it's evident the "them" is everyone who voted for him and everyone who didn't. His supporters are cast aside as "collateral damage."

Trump said he was lowering prices "on day one." He said he'd "stop the Ukraine in 24 hours." Sounded like a used car salesman, didn't he? MAGATS bought his BS hook, line, and sinker.

The auto industry is just the beginning. They asked Trump to delay or remove the tarifs. He did a stay of 30 days which is ineffective, irrespective, unsound and insulting to the CEO's who contacted him. The delay is a joke and will do nothing to help them.

Eventually, someone is going to (The Godfather) "Make him an offer he can't refuse."

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Louise Kelpie's avatar

Have you guys seen this post from a reddit account re Trump-Putin game plan?!? If real, it looks to be half ticked off so far?

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cona's avatar

I like his suggestion to have signs, pins, hats, colors, etc!

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Barbara's avatar

Yes. Hats, pins signs. Yes and “Free America!” Sounds great.

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Eric Toft's avatar

I believe that!

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Christene Cuch's avatar

Money is their god!

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John H. Yates's avatar

#FeetInTheStreet ! Centralize the ability to assemble local peaceful protest flash mobs!

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Babz D's avatar

This is great, two of my favorite subs! How did I not see this on the schedule?

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Linda May Holmes's avatar

Love this. Thank you Anand.

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Paula Stone's avatar

Chris Hedges wrote an incredible book .. Death of the liberal class. It really helped me understand how we have gotten here.

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Carol McIntosh's avatar

Why do the oligarchs want Trump's favour?

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Clarke Shaw's avatar

WE NEED PEOPLE TO SPREAD OUT THESE PODCASTS. Since they made these so easy, a lot of people are jumpiung on the bandwagon. I am watching today, 5 so far. Wish some were morning because there is only so much evening time in a day.

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Solstice's avatar

I love the idea of some kind of symbolism to get behind

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Stephanie's avatar

Yeah, wear the t-shirt.

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TLO's avatar

Excellent interview guys, thank you. It's good to hear hope and passion; it feels like every time we turn around, more is thrown at us, more bleakness. But you are right; community gatherings are helpful. Assume that if you're feeling bad, others are too.

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FeralAF's avatar

He just described Elon

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Sandy Powers's avatar

Very good. Thank you…

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Jamie Smith's avatar

Wow

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Lesa's avatar

So they are still the nerdy little school boys who couldn’t get a date or a place on the varsity team.

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patricia sherman's avatar

Make a I'm in the Know tee shirt.

And similar merch that will draw people in

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Lori's avatar

I stand with you! You give me hope.

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Donvine's avatar

Thank you for being here

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Gail Talbot's avatar

Find the TicTok by Nope Brigad PH.D. Candidate. It's a great presentation about fascism. What is it and what isn't it. And, what does the left need to recognize and do to build a future that people want to have.

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Ziro's avatar

I haven't seen much of Anand since I stopped watching MSNBC! I missed that stylish brilliance!

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Theresa OConnell's avatar

Great podcast! I enjoy hearing all the different perspectives from reasonable people with good common sense. I'm finding that I am listening more and more every day. Thanks

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Mo N's avatar

Anand great insight and information. The fear of the oligarchy struck me. Canada is standing up to Trumps' tyrany. Here are a few :Canada is not for sale, Canadianos, Elbows up, Supporting products from Canada or anywhere else(in a matter of week's produce flyers now have products from everywhere but the US) , blockade of US alcohol, 25%tax on electricity to the US. Choosing not to travel to the US. Everybody is buying Sprague canned goods that they can't keep up.....However , In the end it's truly up to US citizens to stand up to Trump and the oligarchy. I ask , What are US citizens prepared to do?

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Tom Slabe's avatar

I think, as a privileged white male, that most all privileged white males cannot compete in a open market. I predicted this, too.

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Shannon Sewell's avatar

The 25 minute mark

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bettievanoverbeke's avatar

The solution on the buttons if a question, is what evangelicals. Started doing in 1980s. It works ,the red hats gave Maga power. Buttons , shirts ect work.

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Susan E Romans's avatar

To the barricades! Bring you neighbor,,,

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Kiki bancroft's avatar

For the 19 trillion dollar question make marijuana legal federally and make it required for the state to have 3 dispensaries 1 government owned whatever penny you spend immediately goes into our tax debt and 2 that is privately owned that we can then tax

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JK102's avatar

That was fantastic! Is it open? Can I send it to people who are not subscribers or not paid subscribers? Super interesting and useful

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Deb's avatar

Jan, this is a freebie. It looks like you aren’t a paid subscriber? I’m not and was able to view it. Pretty sure you can send a link or forward the mail to anyone you’d like. I agree, it’s very, very good! 😊

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JK102's avatar

Thank you, Deb. I’m not a subscriber to Ben, but I am a subscriber to Anand. So I wasn’t sure if that’s why I could see it.

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Sujata Ram's avatar

Social proof

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Toni Sammons's avatar

Good.

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0:48
in addition to the content that I agree with your thesis that you've been talking about, especially as it relates to the dangers of the oligarchy. But Anand, you've been calling this out now since the beginning of your career. This isn't, you're jumping on the oligarchs are bad fad.