Exploring fear and loathing on the Populist Right with Arthur Goldwag
Its no surprise that the confluence of the internet and the 24-hour news cycle has enabled extreme groups once relegated to the fringe of American politics to enjoy unprecedented influence on political discourse. The paranoia and scapegoating of today's Tea Party, however, reflect a disturbing pattern in our history that fueled hysteria about the Illuminati of the 1790s, anti-New Deal forces of the 1930s, and McCarthyism of the 1950s. What is new about the "new hate" is its ability to project itself and the willingness of politicians to exploit it for their own purposes.
This week, Jo Ann and Dave discuss this disturbing political trend with Arthur Goldwag, author of The New Hate: A History of Fear and Loathing on the Populist Right. Goldwag is a freelance writer whose other works include Cults, Conspiracies and Secret Societies and -Isms and -Ologies. He will be reading from The New Hate Thursday evening at Powell's Books.
Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media, as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years.
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a KBOO member (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right-hand corner on KBOO's homepage to find out how) or consider becoming an underwriter of this program (contact KBOO's underwriting director for details).
Co-Hosts: Jo Ann Hardesty and Dave Mazza
Producers: Dave Mazza and Jo Ann Hardesty
Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olson
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