Podcast Summary: Majority Report with Sam Seder Episode: 3547 - Blinken Blames Protesters for Gaza Genocide; America’s Homelessness Hits Historic High
Guest: Brian Goldstone, Journalist and Author of There is no Place for Us Working and Homeless in America
Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 3547 of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, host Sam Seder delves into pressing political and social issues, with a particular focus on international relations and the burgeoning homelessness crisis in the United States. The episode features an in-depth interview with Brian Goldstone, a renowned journalist and author who explores the multifaceted nature of homelessness in America.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Gaza Crisis

Sam begins by highlighting recent developments in U.S. foreign policy, notably Secretary of State Antony Blinken's controversial statements regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Blinken has faced criticism for attributing the dire conditions in Gaza to local protests, a stance that has sparked widespread debate.

Notable Quote:

“He’s talking about his experience with this when he's doing it to other people.”
— Sam Seder [07:03]

This segment underscores the tension between U.S. diplomatic rhetoric and on-the-ground realities in conflict zones.

America’s Homelessness Epidemic

Transitioning to domestic issues, Sam introduces Brian Goldstone to discuss the unprecedented rise in homelessness across the United States. Goldstone's expertise provides a comprehensive look into how homelessness has escalated to historic highs, exacerbated by systemic failures and policy shortcomings.

Key Points:

• Underreported Numbers: Goldstone reveals that the actual number of homeless individuals may be up to six times higher than official counts, emphasizing the hidden "shadow realm" of homelessness.

  Notable Quote:

  “The true number of those who are unhoused right now in this country is, and this is a conservative estimate, about six times greater than the official number.”
  — Brian Goldstone [26:30]

• Systemic Push Factors: The interview highlights how aggressive eviction practices by large private equity firms, such as the Prager Group, force individuals like Celeste into homelessness despite their efforts to remain housed.

  Notable Quote:

  “That is what pushed Celeste and her children into homelessness.”
  — Brian Goldstone [31:52]

• Extended Stay Hotels as Shelters: Goldstone discusses the rise of extended stay hotels, owned by private equity firms like Blackstone and Starwood Capital, which profit from the precarious situation of the homeless, turning shelters into “expensive prisons.”

  Notable Quote:

  “This extended stay hotel is basically an extremely profitable homeless shelter.”
  — Brian Goldstone [34:54]

Policy Implications and Executive Orders

The conversation shifts to recent executive actions, particularly those spearheaded by former President Donald Trump, which are critiqued for exacerbating homelessness rather than alleviating it. Policies perceived as punitive and lacking in supportive measures have intensified the crisis.

Notable Quote:

“Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, violent attacks. The implication is that every person is homeless because of personal failings.”
— Brian Goldstone [72:20]

Goldstone asserts that such policies marginalize the homeless by attributing their plight to personal deficiencies rather than acknowledging systemic issues.

Racial Dimensions of Homelessness

A significant portion of the discussion addresses the racial disparities inherent in homelessness statistics. In cities like Atlanta, up to 93% of homeless families are Black, highlighting the intersection of race and economic disenfranchisement.

Notable Quote:

“The racialized character of housing precarity and homelessness is absolutely pronounced.”
— Brian Goldstone [60:30]

Goldstone connects historical housing discrimination, such as redlining and restricted covenants, to the current racial disparities in homelessness, demonstrating how systemic racism perpetuates economic instability among Black communities.

Barriers to Housing and the Voucher System

Goldstone explores the inefficacies of housing vouchers, detailing how bureaucratic hurdles and landlord discrimination render these vouchers largely unusable. The high rate of voucher expirations without utilization underscores a critical flaw in the current support systems.

Notable Quote:

“1600 vouchers are issued to families in Atlanta, and 1100 expire before they can be used.”
— Brian Goldstone [46:45]

This statistic exemplifies the disconnect between intended support mechanisms and their real-world application, leaving many families without viable housing solutions.

Economic Factors and the Rental Market

The episode examines how economic policies and market dynamics have made homeownership unattainable for many, leading to a growing "renter class" trapped in cycles of insecurity and exploitation by corporate landlords.

Notable Quote:

“Homelessness has become big business in this country and until we really confront that, it’s not going to end.”
— Brian Goldstone [56:28]

Goldstone argues that the financialization of housing and the prioritization of profit over human necessity have deepened the homelessness crisis, making it a lucrative industry rather than a social issue to be addressed.

Concluding Insights

Brian Goldstone emphasizes the need for systemic change to address homelessness effectively. He advocates for policies that prioritize affordable housing, dismantle exploitative landlord practices, and recognize homelessness as a multifaceted social issue rather than a result of individual failings.

Notable Quote:

“We need widespread systemic change. It is capitalism.”
— Brian Goldstone [73:00]

The episode concludes with a call to action for policymakers and society to reevaluate and restructure the economic and social frameworks that allow homelessness to persist and worsen.

Closing Thoughts

Episode 3547 of The Majority Report with Sam Seder offers a sobering examination of the homelessness crisis in the United States, intertwined with critical perspectives on international policies affecting Gaza. Through Brian Goldstone's insightful analysis, listeners are encouraged to recognize the depth of systemic failings and the urgent need for comprehensive reform to address the root causes of homelessness.

Note: This summary excludes sections related to sponsorships, advertisements, and the podcast's "fun half," focusing solely on the substantive discussions and insights provided in the episode.