Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – "It Could Happen Here" Weekly 176

Podcast Information:

• Title: Behind the Bastards
• Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: It Could Happen Here Weekly 176
• Release Date: April 5, 2025
• Description: Behind the Bastards delves deep into the lives of some of history's most notorious figures, uncovering the bizarre and often unsettling truths behind their actions and ideologies.

1. Library Funding Cuts and Their Impact

Duration: [03:06] – [29:48]

Guests:

• James: Podcast Host
• Jamie: Librarian

Key Points:

• Executive Order and Potential Closure of IMLS:

  • Discussion around an executive order dated March 14 aimed at slashing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Jamie explains that while current funding for IMLS remains intact for the year, future budgets are uncertain and subject to Congressional approval.
  • Quote: Jamie notes, "Congress has already funded IMLS for this year... but the executive order and commentary suggest an interest in dissolving it as soon as possible" ([04:05]).

• Role and Importance of IMLS:

  • IMLS distributes federal funds to states and libraries, supporting programs like summer reading, internet access in libraries, job training, and interlibrary loans, particularly benefiting rural and tribal libraries.
  • Quote: Jamie emphasizes, "Public libraries have become the social safety net of last resort because they already exist almost everywhere" ([08:24]).

• Consequences of Funding Cuts:

  • Reduction or elimination of essential services such as summer reading programs, internet hotspots, and educational classes.
  • Libraries would revert to merely lending books, losing their multifaceted role in community support and education.
  • Quote: Jamie warns, "There wouldn't be summer reading in some places... mythical things just wouldn't be there because there are no funds" ([07:50]).

• Underlying Reasons for Assault on Library Budgets:

  • Jamie attributes the cuts to a neoliberal ideology that prioritizes immediate monetary profits and market-driven approaches, undervaluing institutions that don't directly contribute to the economy.
  • Quote: Jamie states, "The neoliberal problem is the idea that all activity should generate obvious immediate monetary profit... Libraries have no value because we're only measuring it monetarily" ([14:28]).

• Call to Action for Listeners:

  • Encouraging listeners to obtain and use library cards, attend library board meetings, and advocate for funding to demonstrate the vital role libraries play.
  • Quote: Jamie advises, "One of the best things you can do is go get a library card... use your damn library" ([22:03]).

2. Anarchist Movements in Uruguay: History and Evolution

Duration: [32:49] – [104:28] (Focus on key segments)

Guests:

• James: Podcast Host
• Andrey Sage (Andrew Sage): Historian and Host of "It Could Happen Here"

Key Points:

• Formation and Early Activities of FAU:

  • The Federacion Anaquista Uruguaya (FAU) was founded in Montevideo in 1956 amidst economic downturns post-World War II, leading to social unrest and widespread strikes.
  • Quote: Andrey explains, "FAU had very strong working-class roots... they emphasized direct action over electoral strategies" ([33:24]).

• Impact of Cuban Revolution and Rise of Militarism:

  • The FAU navigated internal splits post-Cuban Revolution, with some opposing Castro and others critically supporting the revolution yet resisting its authoritarian tendencies.
  • The Cold War intensified right-wing militarism in Latin America, culminating in dictatorships across the continent by the mid-1970s.
  • Quote: Andrey notes, "In just over a decade, Uruguayan anarchists would become surrounded by right-wing dictatorships" ([38:53]).

• Shift to Armed Struggle and Organizational Strategies:

  • FAU transitioned towards urban guerrilla warfare, forming armed wings like OPR 33 and engaging in actions such as bank robberies and kidnappings.
  • The rise of authoritarianism led to severe repression, forcing FAU operations to move clandestinely to Argentina.
  • Quote: Andrey states, "Their reasoning was that if the capitalist class was going to use force to protect their interests, then the workers should be able to use force to defend theirs" ([53:25]).

• Adoption of Especifismo:

  • Post-dictatorship, FAU embraced Especifismo, an organizational approach advocating specifically anarchist groups to engage in broader social movements without compromising their principles.
  • Especifismo focuses on unity of ideas, strategic political work, and active involvement in grassroots movements.
  • Quote: Andrey outlines, "Especifismo is guided by the need for specifically anarchist organization built around a unity of ideas and praxis" ([71:24]).

• Legacy and Modern Relevance:

  • FAU's historical resilience and adaptation have influenced contemporary anarchist movements across Latin America and globally, emphasizing grassroots organizing and anti-authoritarian socialism.
  • Quote: Andrey concludes, "The FAU continues to focus on grassroots organizing, worker struggles, and political education" ([94:15]).

3. Additional Content Highlights

(Brief mentions from other segments relevant to the episode.)

• ICE Actions Against Students and Scholars:

  • Discussion on how ICE targets individuals associated with pro-Palestine protests, often based on dubious evidence or doxxing campaigns by extremist groups like Canary Mission.
  • Quote: Robert emphasizes, "It's blatantly unconstitutional... defending their right to engage in constitutionally protected speech" ([146:55]).

• Economic Turmoil and Tariff Implementation:

  • Analysis of massive tariffs imposed on various countries, arguing that these measures are economically destructive and ideologically driven.
  • Quote: James critiques, "These tariffs are going to devastate the international economy... It's the wholesale destruction of entire industries" ([164:21]).

• Political Commentary and Call for Resistance:

  • Hosts express frustration with current political leaders and advocate for collective action to oppose authoritarian and neoliberal policies.
  • Quote: Andrey urges, "Our job now is to make sure that we also aren't the ones thrown into this fucking grave" ([175:38]).

Notable Quotes:

1. On the Value of Libraries:

   • Jamie: "Public libraries have become the social safety net of last resort because they already exist almost everywhere." ([08:24])

2. On Neoliberalism's Impact:

   • Jamie: "The neoliberal problem is the idea that all activity should generate obvious immediate monetary profit... Libraries have no value because we're only measuring it monetarily." ([14:28])

3. On FAU's Organizational Shift:

   • Andrey: "Especifismo is guided by the need for specifically anarchist organization built around a unity of ideas and praxis." ([71:24])

4. On Defending Free Speech:

   • Robert: "We are defending their right to engage in constitutionally protected speech... regardless of what they're saying." ([146:55])

5. On Economic Tariffs:

   • James: "These tariffs are going to devastate the international economy... It's the wholesale destruction of entire industries." ([164:21])

Conclusion:

In this episode of Behind the Bastards, hosts James and Andrey Sage explore the detrimental effects of federal budget cuts on libraries and delve into the historical and ongoing struggles of anarchist movements in Uruguay. The discussion underscores the importance of libraries as community pillars and critiques neoliberal policies that undermine essential social services. Additionally, the episode touches on contemporary political issues, including aggressive immigration policies and economic protections that threaten global and local economies. Through detailed analysis and compelling discussions, the podcast emphasizes the need for collective action and awareness to preserve vital institutions and resist authoritarian trends.

Note: To support and protect libraries or engage with anarchist movements, listeners are encouraged to participate actively in community initiatives, advocate for policy changes, and utilize available resources to demonstrate the indispensable role these institutions play in society.