It Could Happen Here Weekly 156

Summary

Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – "It Could Happen Here Weekly 156"

Overview

In episode 156 of "It Could Happen Here," hosted by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, Garrison Davis and DJ Dramos delve into the profound implications of Donald Trump's electoral victory. The discussion primarily focuses on the potential rollback of trans rights, Trump's strategic use of anti-trans advertisements, and the broader foreign policy ramifications of a second Trump term, particularly concerning Gaza, Israel, Russia, and China.

1. Impact of Trump's Election on Trans Rights

Timestamp: 03:01 – 21:05

Garrison Davis initiates the conversation by addressing the immediate aftermath of Trump's electoral win, highlighting the surge in distress calls to LGBTQ crisis hotlines. He emphasizes the necessity of informed analysis over emotional reactions to understand the potential trajectory of trans rights under a second Trump term.

a. Rollbacks of Previous Protections

DJ Dramos outlines specific actions taken during Trump's first term that adversely affected trans individuals. These include:

Revocation of Protective Memos: Trump rolled back an Obama-era memo that directed schools to protect trans students from discrimination ([04:45]).
Military Ban: A ban on trans individuals serving in the military was enforced.
Prison Housing Policies: Trans prisoners were required to be housed according to their assigned sex at birth, posing significant dangers, especially for trans women ([04:50]).

b. Potential Future Policies

The hosts discuss the likelihood of further erosion of trans rights, including:

Federal Funding Cuts: Threats to withhold federal funding from schools that support trans-inclusive policies, effectively imposing a "Don't Say Gay" stance on a federal level ([06:42]).
Healthcare Restrictions: Proposals akin to the Hyde Amendment could restrict federal funding for trans healthcare, severely impacting access to essential medical services for trans individuals ([11:40]).

c. Efforts to Support the Trans Community

Both hosts stress the importance of immediate action to support the trans community:

Donations: Encouraging listeners to donate to initiatives like the Trans Income Project, which provides direct cash transfers to trans individuals and sex workers ([06:42]).
Community Building: Emphasizing the need for in-person and online community organizing to ensure support networks remain resilient despite potential policy setbacks ([08:13]).

Notable Quote:

"These rights have been dearly won, and it's going to be very hard to protect them." – DJ Dramos ([06:42])

2. Trump's Election Strategy: Use of Anti-Trans Ads

Timestamp: 21:05 – 32:15

Garrison Davis and Dramos explore Trump's targeted use of anti-trans advertisements as a pivotal strategy in the recent election cycle.

a. Expenditure and Effectiveness

Financial Investment: Trump's campaign and allied groups reportedly spent approximately $39 million on anti-trans ads during the final weeks of the campaign, overshadowing spending on housing, immigration, and the economy combined ([26:31]).
Expansion Beyond Presidential Race: Senate races in Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania saw similar anti-trans messaging, contributing to Republican victories in these regions ([26:31]).

b. Influence on Senate Races and Demographics

The anti-trans narrative proved particularly resonant among college-educated women, a demographic that Republicans had been losing ground with in previous elections. The strategy effectively galvanized support by tapping into deep-seated fears and prejudices.

c. Democratic Party's Response and Failures

The hosts criticize the Democratic Party for failing to effectively counteract the anti-trans messaging:

Minimal Advocacy: Unlike Republicans, Democrats did not actively campaign for trans rights, allowing Republicans to dominate the narrative ([26:31]).
Perceived Weakness: The Democratic stance was seen as too passive, interpreting negative polling as a signal to concede rather than mobilize.

Notable Quote:

"The enthusiasm for this issue kind of lines up with what... we saw at the RNC where anti-trans statements consistently got the loudest applause." – Garrison Davis ([26:31])

3. Foreign Policy Implications under Trump

Timestamp: 32:15 – 93:58

The discussion shifts to the international arena, examining how a second Trump term could reshape U.S. foreign policy with significant impacts globally.

a. Gaza and Israel: Increased Aggression

Potential for Escalation: Trump’s approach may embolden Israel to intensify actions in Gaza, potentially leading to higher civilian casualties and prolonged conflict ([34:04]).
Gaza Supreme Court Case: A pending Supreme Court case, Scrimmetti vs. US, could eliminate trans protections under the 14th Amendment, exacerbating discrimination and violence against trans individuals in incarceration settings ([14:13]).

Notable Quote:

"These, these, these rights have been dearly won, and it's going to be very hard to protect them." – DJ Dramos ([06:42])

b. Russia and Ukraine: Uncertain Outcomes

Complex Relations: Giulian Davis raises concerns about potential escalations with Russia, especially given historical tensions and Trump's personal rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ([57:08]).

c. China: Tariffs and Economic Disruption

Tariff Proposals: Trump plans to impose significant tariffs on Chinese goods (ranging between 60% to 100%), which experts argue could precipitate a global economic collapse ([60:24]).
Supply Chain Fragmentation: Imposing such tariffs would disrupt existing supply chains, leading to increased costs for consumers and potential shutdowns of businesses dependent on Chinese imports ([67:44]).

d. Implications for Europe and Africa

Naval Embargo on Cartels: Trump advocates for aggressive military interventions in Mexico to dismantle drug cartels, mirroring previous unauthorized strikes in Syria ([124:20]).
African Interventions: Cooperation with Russian and Chinese interests in Africa could exacerbate human rights abuses and destabilize existing regimes ([86:24]).

Notable Quote:

"If you try to impose a 60 to 100% tariff... the economy will collapse. I don't know why everyone is pretending that this won't fucking happen." – DJ Dramos ([65:06])

4. Economic Policies: Tariffs and Their Impact

Timestamp: 60:24 – 93:58

The hosts provide a critical analysis of Trump's proposed tariff policies, highlighting the severe economic repercussions.

a. Explanation of Trump's Tariff Proposals

High-Imposed Tariffs: Trump's plan includes levying 10-20% tariffs on all imported goods, with specific rates of up to 60-100% on Chinese imports ([60:24]).
Reciprocal Measures: The Trump Reciprocal Trade Act would allow the U.S. to impose reciprocal tariffs if other countries exceed U.S. tariff rates on American goods, potentially escalating trade wars rapidly ([66:09]).

b. Potential Economic Collapse

Consumer Impact: Tariffs would significantly raise the costs of imported goods, directly burdening American consumers and reducing purchasing power ([63:31]).
Supply Chain Disruption: The interconnected nature of global supply chains means that tariffs on China would have cascading effects, disrupting manufacturing processes and leading to job losses across multiple sectors ([70:40]).

c. Implications for Supply Chains and Manufacturing

Manufacturing Fragility: Imposing exorbitant tariffs would likely cause manufacturing firms reliant on Chinese parts to shut down, leading to widespread unemployment and economic instability ([76:05]).
Ineffectiveness of Decoupling: Attempts to decouple the U.S. economy from China’s would be ineffective without significant investment in domestic manufacturing, which is neither immediate nor feasible under Trump’s policies ([82:15]).

Notable Quote:

"The economy will collapse. I don't know why everyone is pretending that this won't fucking happen." – DJ Dramos ([65:06])

5. Demographic Voting Patterns

Timestamp: 93:58 – 175:15

The episode examines shifting voting patterns among Asian American, Black, and Latino communities, attributing significant rightward movement to cultural and economic frustrations.

a. Asian American Vote Shifting Right

Cultural Pressures: Conservative backlash against increased visibility and demands for trans rights has driven a portion of the Asian American electorate towards Republican candidates ([137:56]).
Right-Wing Influences: Organizations like the Falun Gong and figures such as Miles Guo have infiltrated Chinese American media, spreading anti-establishment and pro-Republican sentiments ([149:10]).

b. Black Vote Considerations

Internal Conflicts: The Black community grapples with internal divisions regarding identity, affirmative action, and economic mobility, with some feeling disenfranchised and turning towards conservative solutions as a response ([170:07]).
Service and Responsibility: Emphasis on individual responsibility and economic self-sufficiency has resonated with segments of the Black electorate, leading to increased support for Trump’s rhetoric on law and order ([170:07]).

c. Latino Vote Dynamics

Diverse Identities: The Latino electorate is not monolithic, with varying degrees of assimilation and cultural retention influencing voting behaviors. Traditional machismo and religious values have played significant roles in shifting support towards Republican candidates ([164:50]).
Economic Frustrations: Concerns over immigration policies, border security, and economic opportunities have driven some Latino voters to prioritize conservative stances that promise economic stability and respect for traditional values ([167:50]).

Notable Quote:

"The enthusiasm for this issue kind of lines up with what... we saw at the RNC where anti-trans statements consistently got the loudest applause." – Garrison Davis ([26:31])

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp: 175:15 – End

Garrison Davis, DJ Dramos, and Mia Wong conclude the episode by emphasizing the urgency of organizing and advocating for marginalized communities. They call on listeners to:

Support Trans Initiatives: Donate to projects like the Trans Income Project and the Trans Justice Funding Project to provide direct aid and support to trans individuals.
Community Building: Foster in-person and online communities to strengthen support networks and resilience against potential policy rollbacks.
Political Engagement: Encourage listeners to contact their congresspeople, advocate for trans rights, and resist anti-trans legislation through active participation in the political process.

Notable Quote:

"Instead of spiraling, I want to leave you today with the words of another Gazan... 'For us, the election of Donald Trump isn't just a blip on the political radar or a shift in foreign policy. It's a challenge to sustain existence while the world seems intent on erasing us.'" – Mohammed R. Mosh ([15:55])

Final Thoughts

"It Could Happen Here Weekly 156" presents a sobering analysis of the potential societal and global repercussions of a second Trump term. The episode underscores the fragility of trans rights under a conservative resurgence, the destructive economic policies poised to imperil global supply chains, and the shifting allegiances within key demographic groups that have reshaped the American political landscape.

Listeners are urged to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in supporting marginalized communities and resisting policies that threaten social equity and economic stability.

End of Summary

Summary

Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – "It Could Happen Here Weekly 156"

Overview

1. Impact of Trump's Election on Trans Rights

Timestamp: 03:01 – 21:05

a. Rollbacks of Previous Protections

DJ Dramos outlines specific actions taken during Trump's first term that adversely affected trans individuals. These include:

Revocation of Protective Memos: Trump rolled back an Obama-era memo that directed schools to protect trans students from discrimination ([04:45]).
Military Ban: A ban on trans individuals serving in the military was enforced.
Prison Housing Policies: Trans prisoners were required to be housed according to their assigned sex at birth, posing significant dangers, especially for trans women ([04:50]).

b. Potential Future Policies

The hosts discuss the likelihood of further erosion of trans rights, including:

Federal Funding Cuts: Threats to withhold federal funding from schools that support trans-inclusive policies, effectively imposing a "Don't Say Gay" stance on a federal level ([06:42]).
Healthcare Restrictions: Proposals akin to the Hyde Amendment could restrict federal funding for trans healthcare, severely impacting access to essential medical services for trans individuals ([11:40]).

c. Efforts to Support the Trans Community

Both hosts stress the importance of immediate action to support the trans community:

Donations: Encouraging listeners to donate to initiatives like the Trans Income Project, which provides direct cash transfers to trans individuals and sex workers ([06:42]).
Community Building: Emphasizing the need for in-person and online community organizing to ensure support networks remain resilient despite potential policy setbacks ([08:13]).

Notable Quote:

"These rights have been dearly won, and it's going to be very hard to protect them." – DJ Dramos ([06:42])

2. Trump's Election Strategy: Use of Anti-Trans Ads

Timestamp: 21:05 – 32:15

Garrison Davis and Dramos explore Trump's targeted use of anti-trans advertisements as a pivotal strategy in the recent election cycle.

a. Expenditure and Effectiveness

Financial Investment: Trump's campaign and allied groups reportedly spent approximately $39 million on anti-trans ads during the final weeks of the campaign, overshadowing spending on housing, immigration, and the economy combined ([26:31]).
Expansion Beyond Presidential Race: Senate races in Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania saw similar anti-trans messaging, contributing to Republican victories in these regions ([26:31]).

b. Influence on Senate Races and Demographics

c. Democratic Party's Response and Failures

The hosts criticize the Democratic Party for failing to effectively counteract the anti-trans messaging:

Minimal Advocacy: Unlike Republicans, Democrats did not actively campaign for trans rights, allowing Republicans to dominate the narrative ([26:31]).
Perceived Weakness: The Democratic stance was seen as too passive, interpreting negative polling as a signal to concede rather than mobilize.

Notable Quote:

"The enthusiasm for this issue kind of lines up with what... we saw at the RNC where anti-trans statements consistently got the loudest applause." – Garrison Davis ([26:31])

3. Foreign Policy Implications under Trump

Timestamp: 32:15 – 93:58

The discussion shifts to the international arena, examining how a second Trump term could reshape U.S. foreign policy with significant impacts globally.

a. Gaza and Israel: Increased Aggression

Potential for Escalation: Trump’s approach may embolden Israel to intensify actions in Gaza, potentially leading to higher civilian casualties and prolonged conflict ([34:04]).
Gaza Supreme Court Case: A pending Supreme Court case, Scrimmetti vs. US, could eliminate trans protections under the 14th Amendment, exacerbating discrimination and violence against trans individuals in incarceration settings ([14:13]).

Notable Quote:

"These, these, these rights have been dearly won, and it's going to be very hard to protect them." – DJ Dramos ([06:42])

b. Russia and Ukraine: Uncertain Outcomes

Complex Relations: Giulian Davis raises concerns about potential escalations with Russia, especially given historical tensions and Trump's personal rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ([57:08]).

c. China: Tariffs and Economic Disruption

Tariff Proposals: Trump plans to impose significant tariffs on Chinese goods (ranging between 60% to 100%), which experts argue could precipitate a global economic collapse ([60:24]).
Supply Chain Fragmentation: Imposing such tariffs would disrupt existing supply chains, leading to increased costs for consumers and potential shutdowns of businesses dependent on Chinese imports ([67:44]).

d. Implications for Europe and Africa

Naval Embargo on Cartels: Trump advocates for aggressive military interventions in Mexico to dismantle drug cartels, mirroring previous unauthorized strikes in Syria ([124:20]).
African Interventions: Cooperation with Russian and Chinese interests in Africa could exacerbate human rights abuses and destabilize existing regimes ([86:24]).

Notable Quote:

"If you try to impose a 60 to 100% tariff... the economy will collapse. I don't know why everyone is pretending that this won't fucking happen." – DJ Dramos ([65:06])

4. Economic Policies: Tariffs and Their Impact

Timestamp: 60:24 – 93:58

The hosts provide a critical analysis of Trump's proposed tariff policies, highlighting the severe economic repercussions.

a. Explanation of Trump's Tariff Proposals

High-Imposed Tariffs: Trump's plan includes levying 10-20% tariffs on all imported goods, with specific rates of up to 60-100% on Chinese imports ([60:24]).
Reciprocal Measures: The Trump Reciprocal Trade Act would allow the U.S. to impose reciprocal tariffs if other countries exceed U.S. tariff rates on American goods, potentially escalating trade wars rapidly ([66:09]).

b. Potential Economic Collapse

Consumer Impact: Tariffs would significantly raise the costs of imported goods, directly burdening American consumers and reducing purchasing power ([63:31]).
Supply Chain Disruption: The interconnected nature of global supply chains means that tariffs on China would have cascading effects, disrupting manufacturing processes and leading to job losses across multiple sectors ([70:40]).

c. Implications for Supply Chains and Manufacturing

Manufacturing Fragility: Imposing exorbitant tariffs would likely cause manufacturing firms reliant on Chinese parts to shut down, leading to widespread unemployment and economic instability ([76:05]).
Ineffectiveness of Decoupling: Attempts to decouple the U.S. economy from China’s would be ineffective without significant investment in domestic manufacturing, which is neither immediate nor feasible under Trump’s policies ([82:15]).

Notable Quote:

"The economy will collapse. I don't know why everyone is pretending that this won't fucking happen." – DJ Dramos ([65:06])

5. Demographic Voting Patterns

Timestamp: 93:58 – 175:15

The episode examines shifting voting patterns among Asian American, Black, and Latino communities, attributing significant rightward movement to cultural and economic frustrations.

a. Asian American Vote Shifting Right

Cultural Pressures: Conservative backlash against increased visibility and demands for trans rights has driven a portion of the Asian American electorate towards Republican candidates ([137:56]).
Right-Wing Influences: Organizations like the Falun Gong and figures such as Miles Guo have infiltrated Chinese American media, spreading anti-establishment and pro-Republican sentiments ([149:10]).

b. Black Vote Considerations

Internal Conflicts: The Black community grapples with internal divisions regarding identity, affirmative action, and economic mobility, with some feeling disenfranchised and turning towards conservative solutions as a response ([170:07]).
Service and Responsibility: Emphasis on individual responsibility and economic self-sufficiency has resonated with segments of the Black electorate, leading to increased support for Trump’s rhetoric on law and order ([170:07]).

c. Latino Vote Dynamics

Diverse Identities: The Latino electorate is not monolithic, with varying degrees of assimilation and cultural retention influencing voting behaviors. Traditional machismo and religious values have played significant roles in shifting support towards Republican candidates ([164:50]).
Economic Frustrations: Concerns over immigration policies, border security, and economic opportunities have driven some Latino voters to prioritize conservative stances that promise economic stability and respect for traditional values ([167:50]).

Notable Quote:

"The enthusiasm for this issue kind of lines up with what... we saw at the RNC where anti-trans statements consistently got the loudest applause." – Garrison Davis ([26:31])

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp: 175:15 – End

Garrison Davis, DJ Dramos, and Mia Wong conclude the episode by emphasizing the urgency of organizing and advocating for marginalized communities. They call on listeners to:

Support Trans Initiatives: Donate to projects like the Trans Income Project and the Trans Justice Funding Project to provide direct aid and support to trans individuals.
Community Building: Foster in-person and online communities to strengthen support networks and resilience against potential policy rollbacks.
Political Engagement: Encourage listeners to contact their congresspeople, advocate for trans rights, and resist anti-trans legislation through active participation in the political process.

Notable Quote:

"Instead of spiraling, I want to leave you today with the words of another Gazan... 'For us, the election of Donald Trump isn't just a blip on the political radar or a shift in foreign policy. It's a challenge to sustain existence while the world seems intent on erasing us.'" – Mohammed R. Mosh ([15:55])

Final Thoughts

Listeners are urged to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in supporting marginalized communities and resisting policies that threaten social equity and economic stability.

End of Summary

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