Summary: These people aren't just talking about the issues - they're doing something about them! On this episode of Talking Left, we spoke with four incredible guests. These people aren't sitting on the sidelines complaining - they're actively trying to make our nation better. First, we spoke with David Bender, the political director of Progressive Voices. David's experience with political campaigns helped us analyze the thought process behind New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision to hold a special election to fill Senator Frank Lautenberg's now-vacant Senate seat. David gave us his outlook for 2014 and 2016, and explained how informative progressive news will help people understand the issues. David Bender isn't waiting for more terrestrial radio stations to be bought up by right-wing corporate billionaires - he's working to make Progressive Voices a one-stop show for all your progressive news and entertainment. After that, Ian Millhiser of Think Progress joined us to explain the importance of President Obama's recent nominations to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Ian broke down the reasons Republicans are trying to block nominations to that court, and even eliminate the additional judgeships entirely. He also gave us a prime example of why court nominations are so important in general, by explaining the background of Judge Edith Jones - which you seriously have to read to believe. Ian Millhiser is the Constitutional Policy Analyst for The Center for American Progress Action Fund, and the editor of Think Progress Justice - and he is actively working to keep us informed about important issues on a daily basis. Next - we welcomed Josh Eidelson, a contributing writer to The Nation, Salon.com, and many other news outlets. Josh covers the important issues facing workers, and the ongoing to fight to protect labor. He was in Arkansas this week, covering the amazing Walmart workers' strike at the company's corporate headquarters, and he was in the room when labor activists spoke out at the company shareholders' meeting. He told us what he witnessed there, and how he believes the labor movement has adapted to the pro-corporate court system and the overall pro-business legislation that they are constantly fighting. Josh Eidelson is an amazing asset to the labor movement, and he's helping to give workers a voice. During the last half hour, we played an interview with the Electronic Frontier Foundation's senior staff attorney, Lee Tien. The EFF has been defending our First Amendment - and our privacy - for over twenty years, and Lee explained how they've been working to combat government surveillance. As Americans got confirmation this week about various government spying programs, there's been a claim from Administration officials that everything they're doing is legal. Lee helped us understand how they're claiming it's legal, and why that doesn't necessarily mean it's constitutional. Lee Tien, and everyone at the Electronic Frontier Foundation are actively fighting to protect our rights, and we should all be thankful for their amazing work. Thanks to Rocky Mountain Mike for writing and producing our incredible theme music! Please check out his amazing Sound Cloud! Thanks to We Act Radio - 1480AM WPWC, Radio or Not, Progressive Blend Radio, and SoFlo Radio - for helping to ensure all listeners have corporate-free, independent radio! And, of course, thanks to you, our listeners, friends, and family - for supporting us through all of our crazy shows, dreams, and political addictions!! You can also follow all of the news about upcoming topics and guests on our Facebook page and on Twitter @TalkingLeft. And you can subscribe to Talking Left free on iTunes and to our awesome new YouTube Channel! As always, thanks for listening!
