Alert! Radio

Episode 143 (February 11th 2010)

Economist Jim Stanford explains why the economic recovery is so weak and what kind of fiscal and bank reform policies are needed.  Journalist Haroon Siddiqui gives an inside view of what is going on at the Montreal Rights and Democracy and the new direction given it by the Harper appointed ‘Gang of Seven’.  Maria Paez Victor of the Louis Riel Bolivarian Circle refutes the media claims that Venezuela is falling apart and that Hugo Chavez’s popularity is at an all time low.  She explains the reasons behind the media blitz to discredit the Chavez regime.  Mitch Podoluk’s Music is the Weapon is all about ‘borders’. Download this episode (26.9 MB)

Show Notes

Jim Standford is one of Canada’s most well-known economists. He works for the Canadian Auto Workers union and contributes regularly to The Globe and Mail. Stanford was also the founding chairperson of the Progressive Economics Forum. His latest book, Economics for Everyone, has been described as a textbook for activists. By presenting an analysis and critique of free-market economics in short, readable and math-free chapters, this book is great for those readers needing an introduction, refresher or comprehensive analysis - in a word, everyone!

Haroon Siddiqui recently published a piece exposing Harper’s handiwork at Montreal-based Rights and Democracy. He is the editorial page editor emeritus for the Toronto Star. To read more articles by Siddiqui, click here.

The closure late last month of RCTV — the station the backed the 2002 coup against Chavez — not only sparked protests in Venezuela, but also the belief here in North America that Chavez’ popularity is at an all-time low and that the country is falling apart. Of course, opinion is divided. And Maria Paez Victor is one of those people who are not buying into these claims being made by the anti-Chavez mainstream media. Read an interview with Paez Victor here. She has also contributed to Znet.

For more general coverage on Venezuela, check out Venezuela Analysis.

Recent episodes:

  • Episode 202 (February 8th 2012) – Micheal Vonn, Policy Director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association discusses soon-to-be introduced “lawful access” bills to expand police surveillance powers. The federal government has announced that it will soon be introducing legislation to increase the ability of police to intercept private communications and access more personal information stored electronically. Steven Staples, President of the Rideau Institute takes on pro-war lobbyists at the Conference of Defence Associations, part of an increasingly powerful National Security Establishment in Ottawa. Canadian Dimension labour columnist Herman Rosenfeld analyses the anti-union campaign shaping up in Canada and laments about the weak state of the labour movement’s opposition.

  • Episode 201 (February 1st 2012) – Noted health care analyst Pat Armstrong reflects on what lies behind Harper’s new health care policy. It’s not just a matter of numbers. Pensions expert Andrew Jackson shows why Harper’s pension policy is fiscally unnecessary and devastating, especially for low income seniors. Investigative journalist Martin Lukacs talks about Harper’s tar sands agenda and his efforts to sell it in Canada, the USA and Europe.  He comments on the counter campaigns led by indigenous resistance movements in alliance with environmentalists, other activists and municipalities.

  • Episode 200 (January 25th 2012) – Carlo Fanelli analyses what was accomplished at Toronto City Hall to limit the regressive measures introduced by Mayor Rob Ford and the shape of the battles still to come. Political scientist Dennis Pilon reflects on the history of municipal amalgamations that bring to power right-wing mayors like Rob Ford in Toronto and Larry O’Brien in Ottawa largely owing to votes from once independent outlying middle class and wealthy suburban communities that swamp the votes of those residing in the city proper. Political economist Sam Gindin unravels the European debt crisis and austerity agendas of governments everywhere and their impact on a stagnating global economy. He examines the limitations of resistance movements as they emerged in 2011 and suggests new strategies for 2012.


Leo Panitch, professor, editor of The Socialist Register

Dimension continues to be main gathering place of a Left in Canada’s that remains remarkably vibrant and committed — and this is revealed in every issue of the magazine. Bravo!

— Leo Panitch, professor, editor of The Socialist Register. SUBSCRIBE NOW!