http://www.peterbcollins.com/ The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talk radio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. Veteran talk radio personality Peter B. Collins covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. His show delivers interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices rarely found in the corporate media. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talk radio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. Feeder 2.0.3(1143) http://reinventedsoftware.com/feeder/ (c) 2009 Collins Media Services no Collins Media Services peter@peterbcollins.com http://www.peterbcollins.com/pbcimage.jpghttp://www.peterbcollins.com/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en News & Politics 17 Jun 2009 14:22:43 PST 17 Jun 2009 14:22:43 PST no http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100719p153.mp3 Inception. Prof. Lisa Hajjar was at Guantanamo for a recent session of the infamous military commissions for Omar Khadr, a Canadian who was picked up in Afghanistan in 2002 when he was 15. Prof. Hajjar is a sociologist from UC Santa Barbara and an editor of Middle East Report who details the Khadr case, the flimsy evidence (including torture-induced false confessions) and the remarkable competence displayed by the now-23-year-old as he has fired lawyers, demanded to represent himself, and threatened to boycott the proceedings. The American military lawyers assigned to represent him show remarkable courage in denouncing a rigged system. Prof. Hajjar also comments on the recent Supreme Court denial of an appeal from another Canadian brutalized by the US, Maher Arar. Her detailed article is here, and adds important new details and context to the Arar case. Two other Canadians were also held in Syria, where they were tortured and interrogated at the same time as Arar; one was a friend from Toronto who was the original focus of investigators. While a Canadian commission fully investigated the Arar case and delivered a formal apology and $10.5 million settlement to Arar, the US courts have consistently blocked his access to justice. In the second segment starting at 1:03 you will hear President Obama's weekly radio/internet address interlaced with PBC's comments. For the first time, Obama directly criticizes Republicans in the Senate for blocking extension of unemployment benefits and loans for small business. PBC cheers, sort of. And Gary Chew has a review of the new film Inception that you've gotta hear, maybe twice. Like the movie, his review is based on dreams, and like its star, Leo DiCaprio, Gary is a writer/actor of considerable talent. The Chew review starts at 1:16:30 ]]> 19 Jul 2010 18:45:00 -0700 podcast-153 Collins Media Services Prof. Lisa Hajjar: child detainee challenges kangaroo court at Gitmo. PBC comments on Obama's first denunciation of GOP obstructionists; Gary Chew reviews "Inception" in a very cool way. no 01:22:18 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100716p152.mp3 A Terrible Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments. His article on dengue fever will appear soon at Truthout.org PBC comments on Karl Rove's Wall St. Journal column July 15 entitled "My Biggest Mistake in the White House". Rove tries to make the case that Bush didn't lie about WMD in Iraq, with more lies. And your humble host closes with a string of obscenities that have been broadcast on TV, as an appeals court overturned the ban on "fleeting expletives". Warning: f-bombs in this podcast! ]]> 16 Jul 2010 13:02:00 -0700 podcast-152 Collins Media Services Hank Albarelli on BP oil mess, dengue fever in Key West, and much more. PBC comments on Karl Rove's "biggest mistake" and the FCC's obscenity ban. yes 01:09:34 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100713p151.mp3 The Guantanamo Files updates us on Guantanamo: 93 % of the prisoners Bush and Cheney called "the worst of the worst" were innocent. 60 of the 181 remaining detainees are innocent Yemenis whose release is blocked by Obama's moratorium, which is being snubbed by federal judges; 48 others are designated to be held indefinitely without trial, only 35 will face trials, including the KSM posse. Read Andy's frequent updates on his website, and please support him if you can. PBC offers news and commentary on Israel's "investigation" of its attack on the Gaza-bound flotilla on May 31, starting at 1 hour 2 minutes into the podcast. In the third segment starting about 1:11 Roger Shuler returns to talk about the Siegelman case, and a recent commentary he wrote about the Obama administration's policies on whistleblowers and civil liberties, where he quotes Anthony Romero of the ACLU who is "disgusted" with Obama's policies. Bonus music with meaning from Neil Young and John Fogerty. ]]> 13 Jul 2010 17:17:00 -0700 podcast-151 Collins Media Services Journalist Andy Worthington on Gitmo....it's still open, 93% were innocent. PBC comments on Israeli "whitewash"; Roger Shuler on Obama's "disgusting" policies. no 01:47:07 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100707p150.mp3 Truthout. His latest in-depth report on BP's dangerous practices in Alaska has led to the resignation of BP's CEO of Alyeska, Kevin Hostler; it has also led corporate media outlets like CNN, AP and the Wall St. Journal to plagiarize Truthout's exclusive reporting. Hostler is exposed as an intimidating manager who rammed through cost cutting as engineers warned of increased risk. There was a leak from the pipeline this May, and response was slow because Hostler had moved staff away from the pipeline. Leopold's story is a must-read, and there's more in the interview. In the second segment, starting about 51:08, your humble host replays an interview with Geithner from the PBS News Hour, and calls "bullshit" on the many evasions and spins served up in response to critical questions about the prospects for recovery for working Americans. Geithner dances around the most serious issues with PR talking points; cheerleading for Wall St., he ignores the reality that manufacturing jobs will not be returning and many more people will lose their homes. ]]> 07 Jul 2010 18:05:00 -0700 podcast-150 Collins Media Services Jason Leopold on BP's pattern of reckless mismanagement, Alyeska's CEO resignation, and corporate media's plagiarism of Truthout exclusives. PBC talks back to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner's rosy talking points. no 01:18:14 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100706p149.mp3 Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union is a tireless progressive activist and the cofounder of After Downing Street Coalition. He deconstructs the bizarre tactics used by House leaders to fund the escalation in Afghanistan without leaving fingerprints. Read his excellent article about it here. We run down the list of members who voted against the tactics and the bill for the right reasons--and can only identify 8. While many Dems spoke out against the war and escalation, only those 8 had the courage to actually vote against it--a new low. We describe the strange politics of this moment--Republicans, who all support the war, voted against the funding, while most anti-war Dems voted for it. And now, Obama threatens a veto over the part of the bill intended to stop teacher layoffs. ]]> 06 Jul 2010 14:48:00 -0700 podcast-149 Collins Media Services Gov Don Siegelman, railroaded by Rove & Co. talks about Supreme Court ruling overturning his conviction Activist/author David Swanson on the sneaky tactics the House used to authorize funding for Afghan war and Obama's escalation. no 00:56:00 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100701p148.mp3 Mother and Child. Dr. Eva Feldman of the University of Michigan has exciting news on clinical trials of stem cells on ALS (Lou Gherig's disease) patients. States like California and Michigan bypassed Bush-era restrictions on stem cell research, and we are seeing real promise for halting deterioration in ALS patients. Dr. Feldman is quite impressive, and explains the science and procedures simply and vividly. Please share this interview with families struggling with ALS and other diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes. Prof. Marjorie Cohn offers smart comments from a progressive perspective on Elena Kagen and the "vapid" process (Kagan's words) of Supreme Court confirmation. Most troubling to Prof. Cohn is almost-Justice Kagan's brief to deny habeas corpus rights to prisoners at Bagram in Afghanistan, even those not picked up in Afghanistan. And Gary Chew has a summer movie review of Mother and Child and a song from the movie, Little One by Lucy Schwartz. For easy access, the Kagan segment starts at 31:00 and the Chew-review is at 56:00. ]]> 01 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0700 podcast-148 Collins Media Services Dr. Eva Feldman of U of Michigan reports on stem cell clinical trials on ALS patients; Prof. Marjorie Cohn on confirmation of Elena Kagan to Supreme Court; Gary Chew reviews new film, "Mother and Child". no 01:05:54 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100624p147.mp3 The Franklin Scandal, which details a child pandering network run by an influential Republican from Omaha, Lawrence King. King fleeced a credit union of about $40 million, and used his political influence to get the FBI and other law enforcement and judicial agencies to coverup his child sex pandering network, which included the abuse of some residents of Boys Town and the outrageous conviction of one of the female victims on perjury charges. More info at the book's website. Charles A. Bonner is a human rights attorney from the Bay Area, who represented a young girl who was kidnapped and held in a dungeon by a serial rapist; he has published a fiction book based on those real events in Syracuse, NY called The Bracelet. The book also details international sex slavery rings that exploit impoverished young women from third world countries. Bonner offers free legal consultation to victims, listen for his contact info. ]]> 28 Jun 2010 13:56:00 -0700 podcast-147 Collins Media Services Author Nick Bryant details "The Franklin Scandal" about the coverup of a child sex pandering ring linked to and influential Republican. And attorney-author Charles A. Bonner talks about his book about a serial kidnapper/rapist and international sex networks. no 01:32:05 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100625p146.mp3 Rolling Stone article, and the media storm that praises the appointment of Gen. Petraeus without serious questions over the counterinsurgency strategies that Obama embraced last year. McGovern suggests that McChrystal, who knows how bad things are in Afghanistan, may have brought on his own dismissal. We comment on contrasting statements from Pentagon chief Gates and Rep. Dennis Kucinich, reports that Pakistan is cutting deals with Afghan President Karzai that go around the US, and the upcoming battle over supplemental appropriations to pay for the military occupation of Afghanistan. Read McGovern's commentaries here, and Solomon's here. ]]> 25 Jun 2010 15:16:00 -0700 podcast-146 Collins Media Services McGovern and Solomon on Afghanistan. 27-year CIA analyst Ray McGovern and author/activist Norman Solomon talk about Obama's firing of Gen. McChrystal And the missed opportunity to revise our failed policies in Afghanistan. no 00:45:36 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100622p145.mp3 Write That Book Already! Authors Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark's new book is an entertaining and informative self-help book for writers; both have worked in publishing and have been published, and their insight and "tough love" are quite valuable. PBC invited his friend and colleague Rona Renner, host of the Childhood Matters radio show to join us for a friendly "intervention". Rona has been thinking about writing a book, and we use her as our author-wanna-be--providing real world examples of the challenges of writing a book and getting it published. We talk about the practical side of writing, getting support, finding an agent, asking for an advance--all the key questions you'll face if you want to write a book. Sam and Kathi also write the "Author Enablers" column. So go write a book, and send a copy to PBC! ]]> 23 Jun 2010 16:00:00 -0700 podcast-145 Collins Media Services The "author enablers", Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark give advice to aspiring authors in "Write That Book Already!" And radio host Rona Renner of childhoodmatters.org submits to our friendly intervention to jump start a book project. no 00:56:59 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100621p144.mp3 The Nation and Politico on ObamaCo's support for conservative "Democrats" like Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and open contempt for labor and progressives who opposed her. Melber says the only lefty group getting any traction with the administration is the ACLU, because they are willing to sue over important issues. Brad Friedman of Bradblogreports on the South Carolina Democrats' rejection of the election challenge by Vic Rawl of the miraculous "election" of phantom candidate Alvin Greene; he expands his previous report that Canada's Dominion Voting now owns Diebold/Premier and Sequoia, but not Sequoia's intellectual property, giving Dominion 55% of the US voting machine market; and Brad explains that Karl Rove is now following him on Twitter. Ken Silverstein is the Washington editor of Harpers; he talks about his story on Arizona's legislature in the July issue, which he describes as "composed almost entirely of dimwits, racists and cranks." PBC makes numerous comparisons to California's problems--the state is crashing and the candidates are talking about immigration, a federal issue. Friedman starts at 29:30 and Silverstein starts at 1:11:30 ]]> 21 Jun 2010 17:33:00 -0700 podcast-144 Collins Media Services Ari Melber of The Nation and Politico talks about Obama and progressives; Brad Friedman on the rejected challenge in the weird SC Senate primary. And Ken Silverstein of Harpers on the crazy legislature in Arizona. no 01:28:48 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100618p143.mp3 The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet's Struggle for Freedom", a fascinating new film that covers the 2008 uprising in Tibet and features many comments from the Dalai Lama in public and private. The film explores the divisions among Tibet citizens and exiles over the Dalai Lama's "middle way approach" (calling for autonomy instead of independence), the Buddhist principles of nonviolence, and the call for independence in the face of China's control of Tibet. Andrew McGuire is a longtime activist who brought us the fire-safe cigarette, California's ban on assault weapons and other health and safety programs. He now leads California One Care in the ongoing political battle for single payer health care. You are invited to create your own message supporting single payer, joining Lily Tomlin, Elliott Gould and many others in the campaign to build support for real reform. McGuire offers a political roadmap to passage, and inspires renewed determination to overcome corporate power to provide health care to all. ]]> 18 Jun 2010 11:40:00 -0700 podcast-143 Collins Media Services Filmmaker Tenzing Sonam on new documentary about Tibet and Dalai Lama, "The Sun Behind the Clouds" Andrew McGuire of CaliforniaOneCare.org talks about the fight for single payer health care. no 01:03:13 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100615p142.mp3 proposed a bill of rights for social media; she discusses the real lack of privacy and control by users over Facebook and other sites, how most people are clueless about their exposure online, and that operators take advantage of user ignorance. One example: after you delete a photo from Facebook, it is still archived and available to anyone with the correct URL. In our second segment, we talk with Melanie Brenner, head of Poker Voters of America, who is promoting California Senate Bill 1485 to legalize and tax online gambling here; we're joined by my friend and poker player Mark Lewis, who is skeptical of online gambling: "it's not about protecting consumers...it's about money, for the state and the operators". Second segment starts about 37:22 ]]> 15 Jun 2010 18:33:00 -0700 podcast-142 Collins Media Services Attorney Lisa Borodkin on bill of rights for social network users, risks to privacy and other important issues. Melanie Brenner and Mark Lewis discuss California SB 1485 to legalize and tax online gambling. no 01:17:23 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100614p141.mp3 Developing, Update: SC Senate Primary Results Challenged. Brad Friedman of Bradblog updates us on the developing story of possible election fraud in the 6/8 US Senate primary in South Carolina, where unknown Alvin Greene showed as the winner with 59% of the Democratic votes. The alleged loser, Judge Vic Rawl, announced today (6/14) that he is challenging the election results and made one of the clearest allegations from a candidate that electronic voting machines are a prime suspect. Brad notes that most media outlets and pundits ignore the voting machine angle and/or ridicule people who raise these obvious issues, and that Donna Brazile has been unafraid to raise them on CNN. And His Bradness promises to keep us posted as his investigation continues. ]]> 14 Jun 2010 17:03:00 -0700 podcast-141 Collins Media Services Brad Friedman of Bradblog.com on Alvin Greene's suprise "victory" in S. C. Senate primary. Election fraud seems likely, and electronic voting machines are prime suspects. no 00:38:11 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100610p140.mp3 Bradblog reports on election irregularities in the June 8 primary elections, and delivers an excloo to the PBC Show: the largest private voting company in America now....is a Canadian company that does not have clear ownership of some of its key software. Brad details his own painful experience trying to vote in L.A. on an electronic device intended for the blind--which malfunctioned in numerous ways over 2+ hours as poll workers tried to get it to work properly--and failing. Brad also raises important questions about Sen. Blanche Lincoln's alleged victory in Arkansas, where Garland County reduced the number of polling places from more than 40 in the primary to only 2 in the runoff, suppressing turnout in a very tight race. Friedman recaps the Supreme Court action that guts Arizona's clean election system, without even holding a hearing. And birther Orly Taitz is the focus of several jokes: thanks for being there for us, Orly! ]]> 11 Jun 2010 11:15:00 -0700 podcast-140 Collins Media Services Brad Friedman of Bradblog.com on his voting snafu in L.A., reports of voter suppression in Lincoln runoff in Arkansas, and a scoop on the new owners of Diebold. We also talk about Supreme Court ruling that guts clean election law in Arizona, and birther Orly Taitz. no 00:50:56 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100609p139.mp3 report is based on a study just released by Physicians for Human Rights. The medical experiments were linked to the legal memos from Yoo and Bybee trying to re-define torture and game the Geneva conventions. The experiments on early captive Abu Zubayda (2002) predated the legal memos, and they tested sleep deprivation and waterboarding--determining that 11 days of no sleep would be OK, and suggesting that saline solution be used in waterboarding. Kinder, gentler barbaric torture. We also talk about Obama's refusal to investigate--a coverup--even as Bush brags about approving torture. ]]> 09 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0700 podcast-139 Collins Media Services Jason Leopold exposes medical experiments conducted on detainees as BushCo developed its torture policies and techniques. We also talk about Obama's coverup of these crimes, even as Bush brags about approving torture. no 01:00:07 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100608p138.mp3 Free Palestine Movement and over the past two years has been on some of the boats that have made 10 attempts to penetrate the Israeli blockade of Gaza's port. Larudee gives a chilling first-person account of the events of May 31, when Israeli choppers and gunboats accosted the flotilla in international waters. Larudee was aboard the Sfendoni which was boarded before the larger ship, Mavi Marmara; he explains the sequence of events, and his own nonviolent resistance--including taking a plunge in the sea--which enraged the soldiers who beat him and treated him roughly. Larudee responds to lies and spin delivered by the Israeli Defense Ministry, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the US media echo chamber. While 9 Turks (including a US dual citizen) were killed in the Israeli assault, Larudee says the Israeli commandos fired as they landed on the ship, before some passengers attacked with sticks and tossed an invading soldier into the sea. Larudee feels that their efforts are producing a shift in the policies of Israel and neighbors like Egypt, which has re-opened the Rafah border with Gaza. After our conversation, Larudee left for a meeting in Beirut to plan next steps, and he urges you to contact members of Congress to support an end to the lockdown of Gaza. PBC opens the show in honor of Helen Thomas, the intrepid White House reporter. Tech note: due to a computer glitch, there are some audio dropouts in the file, but you should be able to follow without missing much. ]]> 08 Jun 2010 18:05:00 -0700 podcast-138 Collins Media Services Dr. Paul Larudee gives a chilling personal account of the Israeli assault on Gaza Freedom Flotilla 5/31/10 PBC opens the show with a tribute to Helen Thomas, the intrepid WHite House correspondent who is retiring. no 00:48:35 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100604p137.mp3 Moving Millions: How Coyote Capitalism Fuels Global Immigration. The book takes a thoughtful look at the complex set of factors that cause people to cross borders for work, the history of waves of migration and American xenophobia, starting with the anti-Chinese actions dating to the late 1800's. You'll hear Meg Whitman's anti-immigrant screed in the current California governor's race (with a bad cameo from former Gov. Pete Wilson), a discussion of H1-B visas and their abuse by US corporations, and the recent legislation in Arizona. Kaye offers history, economics and context for the so-called "debate" on immigration in the US today, along with rational analysis--all the things that are missing from the mainstream media's coverage. ]]> 04 Jun 2010 16:00:00 -0700 podcast-137 Collins Media Services Journalist Jeffrey Kaye on immigration. Kaye takes a global approach, and describes the history and economic drivers of migration for work. Jeffrey Kaye's new book is "Moving Millions: How Coyote Capitalism Fuels Global Immigration" no 01:06:08 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100524p136.mp3 California Special! PBC was asked by listener Ethan Knox to comment on the June 8 primary election. While he does not explicitly endorse candidates or tell you how to vote, your over-opinionated humble host is quite willing to tell you how he's going to vote: Republican. That's right, as an independent (decline-to-state) voter in California, Mr. Collins will be voting against the mega-wealthy corporate tools, Meg Whitman and Carlyfornication Fiorina. This podcast covers the races for governor, statewide constitutional offices, Barbara Boxer's Senate seat, and 5 ballot measures, including 2 insidious initiatives openly written and promoted by corporations. And PBC apologizes for the reduced podcast schedule as he leaves for a week's vacation; he pledges to deliver more podcasts starting in June. ]]> 24 May 2010 19:12:00 -0700 podcast-136 Collins Media Services PBC comments on upcoming June 8 California primary, he'll be voting Republican! Peter Bee: the independent progressive voice from the Left Coast. no 00:48:31 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100520p135.mp3 Boiling Frogs interview series. Wolf has been outspoken about the loss of civil liberties and our creeping police state. Wolf's latest book is The End of America: Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot. ]]> 20 May 2010 12:20:00 -0700 podcast-135 Collins Media Services Author and activist Naomi Wolf talks with PBC and Sibel Edmonds about civil liberties and the Obama administration. Peter Bee: the independent progressive voice from the Left Coast. no 00:27:48 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100518p134.mp3 The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement. Pease, a retired CEO and venture capitalist, talks about his interest in Jewish culture that developed as he worked with many Jews in business. As a gentile, he has an outsider's appreciation for the cultural and religious characteristics--especially the commitment to education--that have enabled Jews, especially Americans, to excel in numbers that are disproportional to the population. For example, Jews make up about 2/10ths of one per cent of the world population, but 31% of the Nobel Prize winners in medicine have been Jewish. ]]> 18 May 2010 16:35:00 -0700 podcast-134 Collins Media Services Author Steven L. Pease on his book "The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement". Peter Bee: the independent progressive voice from the Left Coast. no 00:45:44 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100514p133.mp3 Boiling Frogs about the negative impact of US drone strikes, which kill 50 civilians for each alleged terrorist assassinated. We talk about Karzai's visit to Washington, the US efforts to undermine his peace feelers to the Taliban and other opponents, Gen. McChrystal's spin on "progress" in the war, and much more. Fitzgerald refers listeners to an article by Nathan Freier linked here. Talanian is director of No More Guantanamos and talks about a Russian named Ravil Mingazov who was ordered released on May 13 by a federal judge, after 8 years at Guantanamo without charge or trial. The towns of Amherst and Levitt have offered to accept Mingazov and another prisoner. While Obama has pledged to close Gitmo, his Justice Dept. continues to hold men the courts have ordered released and to use legal maneuvers to continue to detain innocents. We also talk about the administration's efforts to block legal action by Canadian Maher Arar to vindicate his rendition, torture and imprisonment by the US. The second segment starts at about 57:13 ]]> 14 May 2010 15:58:00 -0700 podcast-133 Collins Media Services Journailist Paul Fitzgerald on negative reaction to US drone attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan and related issues. Part 2 at 57:13: Nancy Talanian of No More Guantanamos. Two Mass. towns have offered to accept men released from Guantanamo, including a Russian ordered released on May 13. no 01:20:17 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100513p132.mp3 Boiling Frogs interview series, cohosted with Sibel Edmonds. Boyle discusses possible motivations behind the anthrax attacks, including those held by criminal elements within the US government to foment a police state, and the investigation that never was. Professor Boyle talks about Israeli war crimes as crimes against humanity, and more. Boyle is a human rights lawyer and professor of law at the University of Illinois. As an internationally recognized expert, Professor Boyle serves as counsel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to the Provisional Government of the State of Palestine. He is the author of several books, including The Criminality of Nuclear Deterrence published by Clarity Press. ]]> 13 May 2010 16:45:00 -0700 podcast-132 Collins Media Services Prof. Francis Boyle of the U of Illinois talks about the 2001 anthrax attacks and other key issues. This is the next episode of the Boiling Frogs series, co-hosted with Sibel Emdonds; www.boilingfrogspost.com no 00:59:58 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100507p131.mp3 writes for The Nation, Wall Street Journal and Christian Science Monitor. He was our guest in January regarding his reporting on American night raids and secret detention centers in Afghanistan, and in this conversation he updates us on the US assaults on Marjah and Kandahar, Karzai's efforts to engage Taliban leaders in peace talks (thwarted by the US), Taliban leader Zakir (former Gitmo prisoner) and other issues. He also confirms the comment made on MSNBC this week by NYT reporter and former Taliban hostage David Rodhe: Taliban members do not believe that al Qaeda was responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Veronique unveils the new Peter B. Collins Organic Wine Club--sign up and get 3 great bottles per month for just $49.99 plus shipping. She talks about her French origins, and her vision of organic wines that goes all the way back to 1980. Your wine purchases and/or club membership help support the PBC Show! The second segment starts at about 44:00 ]]> 07 May 2010 16:15:00 -0700 podcast-131 Collins Media Services War correspondent Anand Gopal with important developments from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Veronique Raskin invites you to join the Peter B. Collins Organic Wine Club. no 01:09:36 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100505p130.mp3 Moonie Paper Going Down?Journalist Robert Parry of Consortiumnews.com has filed a Special Report on financial problems at Moon's Washington Times which has been a reliable propaganda organ for the GOP for more than 20 years. John Gorenfeld also joins the conversation, author of Bad Moon Rising: How Rev. Moon Created The Washington Times, Seduced the Religious Right, and Built an American Kingdom. Moon has poured more than $3 billion into this rag, and reportedly much of that money was laundered from drug profits; Parry and Gorenfeld note that the mainstream media and Democrats have accepted the Moonie paper and its biased reporting with little criticism, and that it has been bypassed by Fox News and others as the megaphone for GOP talking points. ]]> 05 May 2010 13:35:00 -0700 podcast-130 Collins Media Services Moonie Paper Going Down? Journalist Robert Parry and author John Gorenfeld on Rev. Moon's Washington Times. Find out about (real) snakes in the newsroom! no 00:44:25 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100430p129.mp3 Spill, Baby, Spill! Investigative reporter Jason Leopold of Truthout.org exposes the sorry record of BP on oil spills, its failed ombudsman program, Halliburton's contribution to the Horizon debacle, and BP's failures on a larger Gulf platform, Atlantis. We also discussed the politics of Obama's recent call to expand offshore drilling, hours before the president backtracked and said no new leases will be issued until safety concerns are addressed. Read Leopold's excellent article here. ]]> 01 May 2010 12:20:00 -0700 podcast-129 Collins Media Services Spill, Baby, Spill! Investigative reporter Jason Leopold of Truthout.org on the explosion and oil spill from the platform Deepwater Horizon. Leopold details BP's sorry record on safety and the risks at another Gulf platform, Atlantis. no 00:46:51 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100427p128.mp3 The Oath which adds new information to the case of Salim Hamdan (bin Laden's driver) who spent 5.5 years at Guantanamo and tried in a military tribunal; he is now free in Yemen. The film also profiles Abu Jandal, who recruited Hamdan into al Qaeda. It opens in early May in NY, watch for it this summer. Rodriguez wrote a commentary for Common Dreams which adds context to Arizona Gov. Brewer's signing of SB 1070, the draconian law that allows police to stop anyone they suspect of being an illegal resident. We talk about how McCain unleashed the Tea Party virus that is now threatening his re-election. Rodriguez supports boycotts, and political theater--like citizens going to police stations to ask to have their documents inspected. The second portion begins at 22:55 ]]> 27 Apr 2010 19:10:00 -0700 podcast-128 Collins Media Services Filmmaker Laura Poitras on her new film The Oath, about Gitmo prisoner Salim Hamdan, bin Laden's driver. Prof. Roberto Rodriguez on apartheid in Arizona. no 01:06:38 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100422p127.mp3 WhoWhatWhy and is the author of Family of Secrets: The Bush Dynasty, America's Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Last Fifty Yearsand has some fascinating insights into JFK's assassination, Nixon's downfall and Bush per et fils. We talk with Baker about the state of media and its role in our declining democracy. Dreyfuss is a contributing editor at The Nation, where he blogs the Dreyfuss Report. We talk about his article on Hamid Karzai in The Nation; Karzai is also the subject of a new Rolling Stone article by Dreyfuss. He offers a view of Karzai you won't find in the corporate media, and asks why the US is not supporting Karzai's efforts to forge a peace plan with the Taliban and other leaders. He comments on the recent "victory in Marjah" and the forthcoming assault on Kandahar, and suggests the US is looking to weaken the Taliban before agreeing to negotiations, despite Obama's call for a political solution. The Dreyfuss interview starts at about 21 minutes from the start. ]]> 22 Apr 2010 18:55:00 -0700 podcast-127 Collins Media Services Journalist Russ Baker on his nonprofit news site, WhoWhatWhy.com and his book Family of Secrets. Journalist Robert Dreyfuss of The Nation with a different perspective on Hamid Karzai and the US occupation of Afghanistan. no 00:55:16 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100420p126.mp3 Habeas Corpus Week. British journalist Andy Worthington returns to focus on 47 cases brought by Guantanamo prisoners using habeus corpus, over 70% resulting in court-ordered release of the inmate. With 183 detainees remaining, more than half of those from Yemen, Worthington details the case of al-Warafi, who was recently denied release; we also talk about the role of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the management of these issues and the departure of Counsel Greg Craig, as well as Obama's withdrawal of the nomination of Prof. Dawn Johnsen to Office of Legal Counsel--a victory for the Cheneys. Read Worthington's excellent work here. ]]> 21 Apr 2010 11:03:00 -0700 podcast-126 Collins Media Services Habeus Corpus Week. British Journalist Andy Worthington on 47 habeus cases from Guantanamo. Worthington also talks about Rahm Emmanuel's role in detainee issues and departure of Greg Craig. no 01:01:39 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100416p125.mp3 cover story for The Nation that exposes outrageous treatment of wounded Iraq combat vets. This time, it's the case of Sgt. Chuck Luther, injured in a mortar blast, who was treated like a Gitmo prisoner when he sought treatment for the injuries, and pressured to accept a discharge that said his war injuries were caused a case of "personality disorder" that preceded his service. Gen. Gard is an elder warrior (Korea, Vietnam) who is Chair of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. He comments on the 47-nation conference about loose nukes held in Washington in mid-April, the new START treaty with Russia and its flaws, Bush's blunder on our nuclear deal with India, US failure to expose and understand the A.Q. Khan network, and related issues. The second segment starts about 28:30 ]]> 16 Apr 2010 18:26:00 -0700 podcast-125 Collins Media Services Joshua Kors of The Nation on his cover story about the shamel treatment of wounded GI's in Iraq. Gen. Robert Gard of Center for Arms COntrol and Non-Proliferation on Obama's nuclear weapons conference. This second segment starts at about 28:30 no 01:07:39 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100414p124.mp3 Answering Back: Liberal responses to Conservative Arguments. It's a lively conversation, as PBC points out you can win a rational debate only if the other side is rational, too. We also talk about the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation battle, and the call for progressives to fight back if Obama appoints a conservative. Check out Prof. Coates' blog here, and website here. Stauber is a member of the advisory board of Organic Consumers Association, and the author of Toxic Sludge is Good For You. A coalition of organic activists is challenging San Francisco's distribution of wastewater solids that include toxins like dioxin, PCB's and pesticide residue--as organic compost for urban gardens. The activists dumped a load of toxic dung on the steps of City Hall recently, and Stauber explains how they have come into conflict with organic food visionary Alice Waters. If you are offended by the word "shit", you should avoid this segment, which starts at about 31:45. ]]> 15 Apr 2010 12:26:00 -0700 podcast-124 Collins Media Services Prof. David Coates of Wake Forest comments on Obama's failures to frame and win the health insurance debate, and the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation battle. John Stauber of Organic Consumers Assn. talks about San Francisco's giveaway of toxic sludge as "compost". This second segment starts at 31:45 no 01:09:22 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100412p123.mp3 12 Apr 2010 14:30:00 -0700 podcast-123 Collins Media Services Jason Leopold of Truthout.org reports on Lawrence Wilkinson's sworn declaration that BushCo knew most Gitmo detainees were innocent. Prof. John Laprise of Northwestern reports that documents from the Ford White House authorized break-ins and wiretaps, even after Watergate. no 01:17:15 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100408p122.mp3 National Whistleblowers Center talks about Senate bill 372, which purports to strengthen protections for whistleblowers. White House lawyer Norman Eisen was invited to debate the bill, but declined. This is the next installment in the Boiling Frogs interview series, co-hosted with FBI whistleblower Sibel Edmonds. Edmonds and Kohn argue that the bill would weaken protection for FBI employees, and does not help national security whistleblowers (CIA, NSA, Defense). The bill is before Sen. Lieberman's Homeland Security Committee, and we encourage listeners to lobby their senators on this badly written legislation. ]]> 08 Apr 2010 14:05:00 -0700 podcast-122 Collins Media Services Stephen Kohn, attorney and executive director of National Whistleblowers Center, on flawed legislation, Senate bill 372. This is the latest episode of the Boiling frogs interview series with Sibel Edmonds no 01:06:08 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100406p121.mp3 here. Jamail also talks about the recent elections in Iraq and the execution of 25 Sunnis, and about the progress of US troop withdrawals. Read his latest reports here. ]]> 06 Apr 2010 15:01:00 -0700 podcast-121 Collins Media Services Prof. Stephen Zunes on Democrats' blocking resolution acknowledging Armenian genocide. Journalist Dahr Jamail on newly-released video of US attack in Bagdhad that killed 2 Reuters reporters in 2007. no 01:14:07 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100405p120.mp3 Council for a Liveable World about the START treaty that Obama plans to sign in Prague later this week. Isaacs addresses some of the issues raised by Bishop Gumbleton and talks about prospects for Senate ratification of the treaty. With a range of establishment voices, including Kissinger, calling for nuclear disarmament, Isaacs believes this is the best chance in the last 20 years for meaningful change. ]]> 05 Apr 2010 01:10:00 -0700 podcast-120 Collins Media Services Bishop Thomas Gumbleton on immoral wars, issues with new START treaty, Catholic sex scandaks John Isaacs of Council for a Liveable WOrld on START treaty. no 01:12:01 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100402p119.mp3 Answering Back: Liberal Responses to Conservative Arguments, and Coates will return in a future podcast to comment on American politics and year 1 of Obama. Mark Fiore is the talented cartoonist whose Flash animations are featured on the home page here at peterbcollins.com, along with the sites of many newspapers and his own home on the web. We talk about some of his recent episodes, and play the audio. He describes how he dreams up these powerful little packages of satire, how big he draws Obama's ears, and more; somehow, we end up talking about the Catholic sex scandal, and conclude it's time to turn control over to the nuns. ]]> 02 Apr 2010 16:55:00 -0700 podcast-119 Collins Media Services Wake Forest Prof. David Coates reports from the UK on upcoming British elections. Mark Fiore, creator of Flash animation political cartoons featured on our site. no 01:11:48 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100401p118.mp3 A Terrible Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments. Albarelli has painstakingly revealed the layers of lies surrounding the 1953 death of Olson, CIA experiments with LSD on unsuspecting people--and even a whole town in France--the agency's use of thugs and mobsters as assassins and enforcers, and the investigations that ultimately showed that Olson did not commit suicide, but was killed by CIA operatives. He also talks about the 2001 anthrax attacks and says he doubts the FBI assertion that Dr. Bruce Ivins was responsible. Albarelli has 2 websites, here and here. ]]> 01 Apr 2010 17:02:00 -0700 podcast-118 Collins Media Services Court rules Bush-era wiretaps illegal; attorney Jon Eisenberg talks about March 30 ruling against NSA domestic wiretapping. Journalist H. P. Albarelli makes a second visit to talk about CIA misdeeds of the 1950's and 1960's, assassinations and drug experiments with LSD. no 01:21:22 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100330p117.mp3 Bradblog has waged a valiant fight with top editors at the NY Times, demanding corrections to its repeated false reports about ACORN and the entrapment video created by James O'Keefe. On March 21, Public Editor Clark Hoyt admitted that he and the Times had erred by repeating the claim that O'Keefe was dressed as a pimp when he set up some ACORN employees; he also acknowledged that the Times fumbled the overall story and failed to report on the investigation that exonerated ACORN. But recent stories include references that have not been updated to match the corrections. You are invited to register your comments with Times executive editor Bill Keller and managing editor John Geddes. Brad also details the recent convictions of 8 officials in Kentucky for election fraud. Gov. Siegelman is a victim of election fraud, conviction by a prosecutor with close ties to Karl Rove before a judge who should have recused himself. He explains his side of the story on one count he was convicted on, related to a motorcycle he acquired, and asks listeners to contact Chairman John Conyers of the House Judiciary Committee. ]]> 30 Mar 2010 16:58:00 -0700 podcast-117 Collins Media Services Brad Friedman: NY Times makes correction, continues misreporting on ACORN. Former Gov. Don Siegelman of Alabama updates his fight for justice. no 01:17:13 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100326p116.mp3 study. He also references an earlier study, found here. While the discussion is a bit technical at times, and Jones' cell fades out sometimes, the information is important and persuasive. In our second segment, we hear from two activists who are fighting White House czar Cass Sunstein, who is holding up approval of new EPA rules on coal ash: Peter Kelley, whose group has set up a cool website and taken out an ad in the Harvard Crimson (Sunstein is on leave from Harvard) to challenge the czar; and Tim Tanksley, who lives very close to a toxic coal ash dump near Bokoshe, Oklahoma which is run by the cynically-named "Making Money Having Fun" company, which has recently (and more cynically) been re-named Clean Hydro. Tanksley invites you to get more info hereand here. ]]> 26 Mar 2010 15:25:00 -0700 podcast-116 Collins Media Services White House czar Cass Sunstein blocking new EPA rules on coal ash? Prof. Stephen Jones details peer reviewed study that confirms that dust from World Trade Center contains high-tech explosive nanothermite. no 01:45:44 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100323p115.mp3 here. PBC cites a valuable myth-busting chart from Jane Hamsher and Firedoglake.com which refutes the happy-talk talking points we are hearing from Democrats about this "historic reform". And we take a fresh look at the island nation of Cuba with Jonathan Showe, author of the new book Cuba Rising: An American Insider's Perspective. Showe has been to Cuba over 80 times in the last 12 years, and offers many interesting comments on the Castro Brothers, a half century of failed US policies of sanction and isolation, the power of Cuban exiles in US politics, attitudes toward the US and Guantanamo, and more. ]]> 23 Mar 2010 15:55:00 -0700 podcast-115 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Dr. Margaret Flowers on disappointing Dem health reform; Jonathan Showe on "Cuba Rising". no 01:24:13 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100322p114.mp3 Mondo Weiss offers his opinions and news from sources outside the US. This is the next installment of the Boiling Frogs interview series, co-hosted with Sibel Edmonds. ]]> 22 Mar 2010 14:25:00 -0700 podcast-114 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Phil Weiss of MondoWeiss.net on pro-Israel bias in the US media. no 00:59:54 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100319p113.mp3 here. He is a home painting contractor who's been burned by the housing bubble burst, and Fitzgerald has never run for office before. And he gets extra points for political courage: he calls for a new investigation of the events of 9/11. ]]> 19 Mar 2010 17:37:00 -0700 podcast-113 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! John Fitzerald, progressive primary challenger to veteran Rep. George Miller (D-CA). no 00:48:16 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100317p112.mp3 Getting a Grip 2. Kersten is a former legislative staffer and progressive lobbyist who has just published a strong analysis of Prop. 16, a constitutional amendment that would strengthen the monopoly power of utility Pacific Gas & Electric by requiring a 2/3 vote for any community to set up its own utility. Ms. Lappe, known as "Frankie" is an inspiring activist best known for writing Diet for a Small Planet. She talks about today's "thin democracy" and how we can use our own power and resources to promote our issues, viewpoints and values. ]]> 17 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0700 podcast-112 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Analyst David Kersten of California Prop.16, Frances Moore Lappe on her new book, "Getting a Grip 2". no 01:08:16 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100316p111.mp3 Ending the US War in Afghanistan. She explains that the war is illegal, not supported by most Americans, and appears unwinnable. We talk about Obama's weak arguments for adding US troops, why this is not the "good war" that's advertised, and Dennis Kucinich's recent efforts to debate withdrawal. Bennis also comments on recent developments in the MidEast, as Israel has provoked an angry round of exchanges with the administration over proposed new settlements. Fletcher's new book is Free Trade Doesn't Work: What Should Replace it and Why. He is good at explaining complex economic concepts, and is strong and clear in his opposition to free trade. He proposes a 25% tariff on all imports, explains our trade deficit, and also talks about recent economic crises in Greece and Haiti. Both books can be purchased here. ]]> 16 Mar 2010 17:36:00 -0700 podcast-111 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Phyllis Bennis on ending the US war in Afghanistan; economist Ian Fletcher says free trade doesn't work. no 01:25:07 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100315p110.mp3 Boiling Frogs series. Rowley remains outspoken on Bush-era interrogations and torture, accountability for torture and other offenses, new legislation to protect whistleblowers, especially national security workers, our irrational security at airports, and the rise of the security-surveillance complex since 9/11. ]]> 15 Mar 2010 17:30:00 -0700 podcast-110 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Coleen Rowley, Courageous Whistleblower, still. Candid comments on torture, accountability, airport security and more. no 01:15:07 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100310p109.mp3 Sabeel Conference March 5-6 in Marin County, California. Powerful voices who decry Israel's brutal domination of the West Bank and lockdown of Gaza. --Dr. Mads Gilbert, a medical doctor from Norway who has provided health care in Gaza for many years, describes the death, injuries and destruction caused by Israel's massive assault on Gaza at the end of 2008 and the disproportionate impact on women and children; --Mark Braverman, an American Jew and former Zionist, talks about his views of the occupation and the way Israel uses its power and influence to continue massive human rights violations. His new book is Fatal Embrace. Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land; --Dr. Jeff Halper, an American who moved to Israel and founded the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitionstalks about the dominant framing and language of the conflict, which heavily favors Israel; --Paul Larudee, founder of the Free Palestine Movement and leader of the successful sea-based challenges to Israel's blockade of Gaza, talks about new ways to challenge the blockade this year; --Ms Neha Masri, an American Muslim who was born in Jerusalem, describes in her own vivid way the humiliating experience of being treated as a Palestinian at Israeli checkpoints. Please share this podcast with friends, especially those who are staunchly pro-Israel. My sincere thanks to the conference organizers, and Tom McAfee, Hassan Fouda and Dr. Walt Davis. ]]> 10 Mar 2010 15:10:00 -0700 podcast-109 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Peace and justice for the Palestinians: a range of voices from the Sabeel Conference. Part 2 of 2. no 01:25:13 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100309p108.mp3 Sabeel Conference held March 5 and 6 in Marin County, California. Sabeel means "The Way" in Arabic, and this conference brought a range of participants from around the world. PBC opens the program with an update on concessions from Palestinian leaders, agreeing to hold indirect talks with Israel; just 24 hours later, VP Joe Biden arrived in Israel to a defiant announcement: Israel says it will build 1600 more housing units in E. Jerusalem, ignoring demands from the Obama administration to stop the illegal construction. This podcast features: --Prof. Hisham Ahmed of St. Mary's College, who was born in a refugee camp and became a Fulbright scholar; --Rev. Don Wagner of North Park U in Chicago, an expert on Christian Zionists; --Sama Adnan, founder of NewPolicy.org, which has started a political action committee to support Congress members who have a balanced position on Israel-Palestine issues; --Omar Barghouti, a founding member of the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel; --Anna Baltzer, an American Jew and articulate advocate for the rights of the Palestinians. Part 2 will be released in the next day or two. ]]> 09 Mar 2010 17:35:00 -0700 podcast-108 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Peace and justice for the Palestinians: a range of voices from the Sabeel Conference. no 00:56:16 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100308p107.mp3 08 Mar 2010 17:08:00 -0700 podcast-107 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Air America and liberal talk radio. Guest: former Air America host Jon Elliott no 01:11:41 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100304p106.mp3 Bush On The Couch a few years ago, and is in the process of writing Obama On The Couch. He offers some interesting thoughts about Obama's excessive need for bipartisan approval, how intentional his manipulation of voters was during the campaign, and the contradictions of his decision making regarding escalation in Afghanistan. Dr. Bill Perry was Defense Secretary from 1994-98, and PBC talked with him at an event in San Francisco hosted by the Ploughshares Fund where they previewed a new documentary about the "tipping point" in nuclear disarmament. Perry, along with Reagan's Secretary of State George Schultz, former Sen. Sam Nunn and Nixon Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (!) are working together on disarmament efforts. Gary Chew, who is not a doctor, joins me to talk about this year's Oscar nominees. ]]> 04 Mar 2010 12:08:00 -0700 podcast-106 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Dr. Justin Frank puts Obama on the couch; Dr. Bill Perry on Iran's nuclear intentions; Gary Chew previews the Oscars. no 01:04:40 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100303.mp3 The Ghost Writer. Dr. Jeffrey Kaye, a psychologist, and author H. P. Albarelli, Jr. talk about the upcoming trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed--who we know was tortured--and the history of CIA torture and mind control programs, including the infamous Project MK-Ultra and the use of LSD. We talk about an article they wrote for Truthout.org, available here. Kaye is a longtime critic of Bush-era policies of rendition and torture, and Albarelli's powerful new book exposes the history back to the early 1950's A Terrible Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments. Albarelli's book is chilling and fascinating, and shows that the US has been operating on "the dark side", as Cheney called it, for decades. He describes the importance of the Olson case, and the large numbers of people--including children--who were slipped LSD by the CIA. Gary Chew reviews Roman Polanski's new film, about a British ex-Prime Minister accused of torture, The Ghost Writer ]]> 03 Mar 2010 17:15:00 -0700 podcast-105 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! History of CIA torture and mind control, including the infamous MK-Ultra program. Gary Chew reviews The Ghost Writer no 01:25:54 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100301.mp3 The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther. Haas was an attorney for the charismatic Hampton, chairman of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, at the time of the police raid in 1969. Stonewalled for years by the FBI and Chicago leaders, Haas ultimately proved that the hit on Hampton and Mark Clark was part of the FBI's Cointelpro program, with instructions from J. Edgar Hoover to disrupt black nationalist groups and "prevent the rise of a new black messiah" following Dr. King's assassination in 1968. Haas and his underpaid colleagues at the People's Law Office took on the FBI, the Daley Machine, and an incredibly biased judge--it took more than 10 years to win a $1.85 million settlement for the survivors and Hampton's family. In doing so, they exposed the darkest aspects of the American system of "justice". PBC was hosting a talk show in Chicago as the legal battle unfolded, and has personal insights about the times and some of the players. The book is fascinating, and highly recommended. Get more info here. The story is important history, and informs the resurgence of a police state in the US, where the Patriot Act was just renewed, the FBI admits wide abuse of "national security letters" and massive surveillance of our phones and emails continues under Obama. ]]> 01 Mar 2010 13:40:00 -0700 podcast-104 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Govt. murdered Fred Hampton. Attorney and author Jeffrey Haas exposes the FBI Cointelpro program that led to the murder of Black Panther leader in 1969. no 01:15:26 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100226.mp3 Strategic Terror: The Politics and Ethics of Aerial Bombardment. We talk about the repeated incidents of Afghan civilians killed by US air attacks, which Grosscup considers "terrorism" and the way that term is re-defined to apply only to our enemies. He also talks about domestic terrorism at Oklahoma City, Ft. Hood and the recent Stack attack on the IRS office in Austin. Cruickshank is policy director at the Courage Campaign and one of many excellent contributors to the progressive politics blog about California, Calitics. We talk about eBay billionaire Meg Whitman's massive spending to buy the governorship--using Sarah Palin campaign tactics; about Jerry Brown's slow start on his race; about failed HP CEO Carly Fiorina's race to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer and Fiorina's gutter-level attacks on her GOP opponent Tom Campbell; and about initiative battles over corporate influence, esp. the utility P G & E's efforts to pass an undemocratic initiative to maintain its monopoly and block community power programs permitted by current law. ]]> 26 Feb 2010 12:40:00 -0700 podcast-103 Collins Media Services Peter Bee: The Independent Progressive from the Left Coast! Prof. Beau Grosscup on US air raids in Afghanistan that kill civilians, and abuse of the term "terrorism"; Robert Cruickshank on the high stakes big money campaigns for governor and US senate in California no 01:31:44 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100223.mp3 here. Cohn is co-author of the new book, Rules of Disengagement, which gives the history of conscientious objectors and legal tips to those who reject service in the current wars. ]]> 23 Feb 2010 17:15:00 -0700 podcast-102 Collins Media Services Brad Friedman on ACORN smear, Prf. Marjorie Cohn on whitewash of torture memo authors The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:14:46 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100222.mp3 Sibel Edmonds. Dr. Julien Mercille discusses the trail of Afghanistan's drug money, the false impression given by the latest UN report on the effects of Afghanistan's drug production, and the role of other nations and institutions including western banks. He talks about the predominant view of the US and NATO held by the majority in Afghanistan today, his interview with Malalai Joya, Afghanistan's youngest Member of Parliament, who is well known for openly challenging the US, NATO, warlords and the Taliban, the current state of progressive movements in Afghanistan, and more. Mercille is a lecturer in US foreign policy at University College Dublin, where he moved after obtaining his PhD from UCLA. He teaches on US history and foreign policy and has published academic articles on Iran, Iraq and the Cold War, and is now researching the "War on Drugs" and Afghanistan. He has also written for various websites and magazines on those topics and others. ]]> 22 Feb 2010 16:15:00 -0700 podcast-101 Collins Media Services Afghan corruption: Dr. Julien Mercille The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:04:19 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100218.mp3 Here is the link to Col. Wright's recent article that we reference; and here is the link to Penny Coleman's article. California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) makes the case for campaign finance reform, and Trent Lange of the fair elections coalition defines the terms of Prop 15 on the June ballot, which would set up a pilot program of publicly funded elections. ]]> 18 Feb 2010 15:10:00 -0700 podcast-100 Collins Media Services Rape in the US military; clean elections for California The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:04:00 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100217.mp3 Informed Comment blog, a great resource on America's wars. We talk about the draw down of US troops in Iraq and Cole is optimistic about full withdrawal by the end of 2010. He describes the jockeying in Iraq over the March 7 elections and the influence of Iran and Ahmed Chalabi on the process. He details the capture of Mullah Baradar--the military leader of the "old" Taliban--by Pakistani and US operatives, and offers candid comments about the new US attack on Marjah. Kamps is an expert on nuclear waste at the think tank founded by Dr. Helen Caldicott, Beyond Nuclear and he is sharply critical of Obama's decision to provide loan guarantees for Southern Co.'s plans to build two new nukes in Georgia so taxpayers take the risk and the utility takes the profits. In addition to the financial risk, Kamps talks about the fallacy that nukes are safe for people and the environment and the false promise that a blue ribbon panel can resolve the nuclear waste issues. ]]> 17 Feb 2010 17:10:00 -0700 podcast-99 Collins Media Services Prof. Juan Cole on Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan; Kevin Kamps on Obama's nuclear gamble. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:16:08 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100216.mp3 16 Feb 2010 18:20:00 -0700 podcast-98 Collins Media Services Coleen Rowley, 24-yr-FBI Agent, on recent terro plots and 9/11 Commission's failures. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:14:37 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100211.mp3 Alabama blogger Roger Shuler returns with a report from the Deep South. He comments on Sen. Shelby's abusive hold on Obama appointments and Sen. Session's homophobic opposition to lifting Don't Ask Don't Tell. While Shelby has blocked appointments, Obama has left partisan Republicans in critical US Attorney jobs, including Leura Canary in Alabama. One of her deputies, who coached the key witness in the Siegelman case, is on his way to Gitmo as a defense attorney in kangaroo court er, military commissions for some prisoners. Shuler also updates the Siegelman appeals and reports that debt collectors played a key role in Sen. Brown's recent Massachusetts election. Big Mike Straumietis, CEO of Advanced Nutrients, charges that hydroponic equipment producers are colluding against him and threatening retailers because he openly supports medical marijuana cultivation. His new magazine is Rosebud. ]]> 11 Feb 2010 14:35:00 PST podcast-97 Collins Media Services Alabama sleaze, with blogger Roger Shuler; hardball in hydroponics, with Big Mike Straumietis. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:28:52 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100210.mp3 single payer advocates. We talk about the Dems' capitulation on ACORN despite the exposure of dirty tricks by James O'Keefe, the growing influence of the Chamber of Commerce following the Supreme Court decision, Obama's refusal to permit accountability for torture and other crimes, and the left's failure to press Obama to actually bring troops home from Iraq. Follow the links above to get active on these issues! PBC comments on the race for California governor, and deconstructs the first TV spot from billionaire Meg Whitman. ]]> 10 Feb 2010 16:55:00 PST podcast-96 Collins Media Services Activist/attorney Kevin Zeese on health care, GOP dirty tricks, growing power of Chamber of Commerce, bringing troops home from Iraq. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:10:25 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100209.mp3 Boiling Frogs interview series, co-hosted with Sibel Edmonds. Chris Hedges gives us a quick sketch of his latest book Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle. He discusses the real role of the US media as one of the main culprits in promoting a sense of exceptionalism by disseminating fantasy, and poisoning civil and political discourse with entertainment and trivia. He talks about the spectacle surrounding Barrack Obama's presidential campaign and his function as a brand just like any other commercial commodity brand advertised and promoted by corporations, the last decade's coup d'etat in slow motion, and much more! Hedges is a senior fellow at the Nation Institute and the Anschutz Distinguished Fellow at Princeton University. He has written nine books, including Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle, and the best-selling American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America. He spent two decades as a foreign reporter covering wars in Latin America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, and served for eight years as the Middle East bureau chief of The New York Times, where he shared the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism, for coverage of terrorism. Hedges also received the 2002 Amnesty International Global Award for Human Rights Journalism. His weekly column is published on Truthdig ]]> 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 PST podcast-95 Collins Media Services Journalist Chris Hedges on Obama, Afghanistan and the corporate media. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 00:58:51 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100204.mp3 The Nation. Gopal talked to 2 dozen Afghans who have been grabbed by US troops, many in deadly night raids on homes, and held at 9 or more secret prisons and the Bagram prison. He also details how these tactics are winning hearts and minds--for the Taliban and other insurgent groups. Bob Parry is a longtime contributor to the PBC show, and we discuss his thoughtful analysis of the recent Supreme Court decision allowing corporations to inject unlimited amounts into candidate campaigns. Parry reacts to the decision and Glenn Greenwald's commentary, then details the recent history of pro-corporate judicial appointments and the highly partisan decisions they have produced. ]]> 04 Feb 2010 14:58:00 PST podcast-94 Collins Media Services Journalists Anand Gopal and Robert Parry The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:21:19 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100202.mp3 Boiling Frogs interview series, co-hosted with Sibel Edmonds. He tells us about the status of investigations into the Blair government's complicity with the Bush administration in supporting the invasion of Iraq. He discusses possible factors behind Americans' long-held denial and dismissal of dark US foreign policy practices as conspiracies. Mr. Nafeez talks about the Obama administration, the ongoing posture of US corporate interests and the desire to dominate world energy supplies, the so-called liquid bombing plot and how it was mythologized in the US, and more. Dr. Nafeez Ahmed is a bestselling author and political analyst. He is the Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Research & Development, and has taught courses in contemporary history and international relations theory at the University of Sussex. His Doctoral thesis investigated the radicalization processes and dynamics of violent conflict in the context of hierarchical social systems in the modern world. Dr. Ahmed has also published extensively on international security issues, including The London Bombings; The War on Truth; Behind the War on Terror; and The War on Freedom. He has been an expert commentator for BBC News 24, BBC World Today, Al-Jazeera English, among others. He is currently advising the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on engaging British Muslim communities. ]]> 02 Feb 2010 01:40:00 PST podcast-93 Collins Media Services Dr. Nafeez Ahmed on Al Qaeda, Taliban and radical Muslims The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:17:09 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100201.mp3 Truthout and has closely followed of the torture memos written by John Yoo and approved by Jay Bybee. The Obama Justice Dept. has watered down the findings of the Bush-era investigation that concluded that Yoo and Bybee had "violated professional standards" and referred them to Bar associations for possible discipline; the new report, according to Newsweek, says they merely "showed poor judgment". We refer to the cases of homicide that Scott Horton reports in our podcast 91 and suggest the Obama Justice Dept. is obstructing justice. Friedman, whose Bradblog is celebrating its 6th anniversary, has done an excellent job unraveling the tactics of O'Keefe--first in the ACORN hatchet job, and now with his Jan 25 arrest for trying to tamper with phones at Sen. Landrieu's office in New Orleans. You won't get this kind of context and detail from corporate media outlets. ]]> 01 Feb 2010 14:58:00 PST podcast-92 Collins Media Services Jason Leopold on Yoo/Bybee whitewash; Brad Friedman on O'Keefe/Breitbart attempt to tamper with Sen. Landrieu's phones The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:19:03 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100128.mp3 28 Jan 2010 12:08:00 PST podcast-91 Collins Media Services Scott Horton on Gitmo homicides, Ziad Abbas on Gaza humanitarian crisis, PBC on Sate of the Union The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:18:31 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100125.mp3 Boiling Frogs interview series, co-hosted with Sibel Edmonds. Worthington is a leading expert on Guantanamo and provides us with an overview of America's detention center at Guantanamo Bay and the plight of 774 individuals, most of whom are innocent of any terrorism connections. He discusses the general view of the US government and Americans held by many of those released, and the rarity of radicalization or revenge seeking among them. Worthington talks about the astonishing lack of interest and coverage of these cases and stories by the US media, President Obama's failure in meeting the release deadline despite his promises during the presidential campaign, the number and current status of inmates released to date, and more. Andy Worthington is a journalist and historian, based in London. He is the author of The Guantanamo Files, the first book to tell the stories of all the detainees in Guantanamo Bay, and the co-director of the new documentary film, "Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo."" You can visit his blog here. ]]> 25 Jan 2010 17:15:00 PST podcast-90 Collins Media Services Andy Worthingon on Guantanamo, the Yemenis, and Obama's unkept promise The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:01:38 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100122.mp3 amend the Constitution to limit corporate influence. Ms. Berger is a president of the California Nurses Assn and the new national union, National Nurses United; they have recruited 12,000 RN's who are ready to deploy to Haiti over the next 4-6 months, but are on hold until they get approval to enter the country. Berger talks about the challenges Haiti is facing and the medical needs of displaced people. It costs $250 per nurse per day, and you can donate here. ]]> 22 Jan 2010 15:45:00 PST podcast-89 Collins Media Services David Cobb on Supreme Court decision, 12,000 nurses set to deploy to Haiti The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 00:46:54 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100121.mp3 and still has his job! He challenges the administration and the media to follow the law and restore the rights of federal employees who expose wrongdoing and lawbreaking. Carson invites you to support Dave Nolan for appointment to Office of Special Counsel. ]]> 21 Jan 2010 19:45:00 PST podcast-88 Collins Media Services Stolen Mass. election? Stolen democracy? Brad Friedman and Joe Carson The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:20:38 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100118.mp3 Sibel Edmonds, this is the next chapter of the Boiling Frogs interview series. Dan Ellsberg provides us with his analysis of Barack Obama's presidency, shares with us what led him to cast his vote for Obama, and how and why he's been let down and betrayed by our current president. He discusses the stark similarities between the previous administration and Obama's White House on issues and abuses related to civil liberties, and questions the possibility of 'hoping' again. Ellsberg talks about his experience as a whistleblower, the futility of disclosure to Congress then and today, the current sorry state of the US media, and how he met Sibel Edmonds--and why he admires her. Ellsberg graduated from Harvard in economics in 1952, served in the US Marine Corps from 1954-57, and obtained a PhD in economics from Harvard while working for the Rand Corporation in 1962. In 1964 he joined the Defense Department to work principally on decision-making in the Vietnam War. Ellsberg precipitated a national political controversy in 1971 when he released the Pentagon Papers, a Top-Secret Pentagon study of US government decision-making about the Vietnam War, to the New York Times and other publications. Ellsberg has ever since campaigned for peace and encouraged others to speak truth to power. ]]> 18 Jan 2010 12:45:00 PST podcast-87 Collins Media Services Daniel Ellsberg: Obama "pissed on" our hopes." The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:11:21 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100114.mp3 Inside Obama's Brain; new study questions validity of Prop. 8 election. Abramsky writes for The Nation, Mother Jones, Rolling Stone and other publications. His book is a study of Obama's traits and is based on interviews with over 100 people who know Obama. We talk about the campaign and the first year in office, and PBC asks how this "brain" could run a brilliant campaign, then fumble health care reform, maintain or extend some of Bush's worst actions, and make the dumb decision to escalate in Afghanistan. Emily Levy of Velvet Revolution is an election integrity activist, and Richard Hayes Phillips conducted the study. Phillips did the painstaking reconstruction of Ohio's election heist in 2004, Witness to a Crime. You can read the report and get links to activism here. ]]> Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:35:00 PST podcast-86 Collins Media Services Sasha Abramsky on "Inside Obama's Brain"; new study questions accuracy of Prop 8 vote count. The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:46:06 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100113.mp3 Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union details the expansion of executive power advance by Bush and maintained by Obama, and singles out Congress for failing to assert its oversight, war powers, and budget responsibilities. Swanson is brilliant at seeing the big picture while engaging in specific battles. Kate Hanni reports a key victory for the traveling public: you cannot be imprisoned on a plane on the tarmac for over 3 hours. Airlines will be subject to huge fines--up to $27,000 per passenger--for future episodes. Hanni also talks about the pitfalls of the new body scanners being deployed. And you'll hear the parody song "Naked Airlines" during our chat. ]]> 13 Jan 2010 16:45:00 PST podcast-85 Collins Media Services David Swanson on the imperial presidency and Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:28:11 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100111.mp3 Family of Secrets, the first complete historic portrait of the generations of Bushes in government, and provides us with an overview of how this dynasty shaped our politics. This is the next installment of the Boiling Frogs interview series, co-hosted with Sibel Edmonds. He tells us about the shadow government in the US, the real players, elites, and power centers within each president's government, and the limitation on what and how much an American president can accomplish considering the influence of these powerful and independent fiefdoms characterized by entrenched agendas and constant intrigue. Baker defines and explains the concept of Forensic Journalism, and talks about his nonprofit news organization WhoWhatWhy, the need for nonpartisan and independent journalism today, the current media landscape in the US, and more. Russ Baker is an award-winning investigative journalist and the author of Family of Secrets-- the Bush Dynasty, America's Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Last Fifty Years. He has written for The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The Nation, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Village Voice and Esquire. He has served as a contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review, and is the founder of WhoWhatWhy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit investigative news organization. ]]> 11 Jan 2010 14:40:00 PST podcast-84 Collins Media Services Russ Baker on the Bush Dynasty The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:06:51 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100107.mp3 Andy Worthington is our expert on America's Gulag and wrote The Guantanamo Files. Charlotte Dennett is a journalist and lawyer; her book The People v. Bush has just been published. Worthington talks about the new hysteria produced by the failed terrorist action on Christmas Day and the fear projected by American politicians of both parties. He corrects the record about the former Gitmo prisoners released under Bush who are now leading al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula, about Liz and Dick Cheney's rants and about the 6 Yemenis released in December and more than 80 who remain. Dennett was a candidate for Vermont Attorney General in 2008, and based her campaign in part on Vincent Bugliosi's legal strategy to prosecute Bush for murder. She talks about her campaign and the ongoing struggle for accountability, which is largely opposed by ObamaCo, and profiles activists like Michael Ratner, Glenn Greenwald, David Swanson and the ACLU as they continue to fight for justice and constitutional rule. ]]> 07 Jan 2010 14:30:00 PST podcast-83 Collins Media Services Yemenis Trappe at Gitmo, Accountability for BushCo? The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:41:40 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20100104.mp3 Failure of Intelligence: The Decline and Fall of the CIA. Ray McGovern started at the CIA in the 1960's and was daily briefer to Reagan. Combined, they have more than 60 years of intelligence experience. They comment on the suicide bomber who killed 7 CIA agents in Afghanistan, the CIA's role in the drone attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the likely cycle of vengeance that will follow, and Obama's decision to commit more US troops. We also talk about the attempt to blow up a US airliner approaching Detroit on Christmas day and the hysterical response, as well as the dismissal of criminal charges against Blackwater mercenaries for the Nisour Square incident. Read Goodman's commentary at www.truthout.org and McGovern's dispatches at www.consortiumnews.com ]]> 04 Jan 2010 15:30:00 PST podcast-82 Collins Media Services Goodman and McGovern on CIA deaths in Afghanistan The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:03:23 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20091231.mp3 31 Dec 2009 13:15:00 PST podcast-81 Collins Media Services Special Report: Gaza Freedom March The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 00:33:51 http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20091229.mp3 Wiring Up The Big Brother Machine...and Fighting It is available only at amazon.com ]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:35:00 PST podcast-80 Collins Media Services Mark Klein: massive US wiretapping continues The Peter B. Collins Show covers American news and politics from the Left Coast. Veteran talkradio personality Peter B. Collins, based in San Francisco, delivers fresh interviews, commentary and analysis on a range of important topics, with views and voices you don't often find in the corporate media. Peter B. is smart, funny, well-informed, and actually listens to guests and callers. As an independent progressive, Peter B. doesn't hesitate to criticize leaders and policies he disagrees with. Grab the Peter B. Collins show for great conversations about current affairs and controversial topics--a freewheeling exchange on the issues and people who really matter. no 01:10:14