Podcast Summary: The Majority Report with Sam Seder
Episode: 3559 - Celebrating Michael Brooks on His Birthday
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 3559 of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, host Sam Seder commemorates what would have been Michael Brooks's 42nd birthday. Brooks, a beloved figure in progressive circles and the host of The Michael Brooks Show, passed away five years prior. To honor his legacy, Seder invites some of Brooks's favorite guests: Milton Alamadi, author, journalist, professor, and co-founder of Black Star News; Harvey J.K., Professor Emeritus of Democracy and Justice Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, and author of The Fight for Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great; Lisha Brooks, Michael's sister; and David Griscom, part of the production team behind The Michael Brooks Show.

Key Topics and Discussions

1. BLS Commissioner Nomination and Economic Data Integrity

A significant portion of the episode delves into the controversy surrounding Donald Trump's nomination of Scott Bessant as the new Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The discussion highlights concerns about Bessant's qualifications and the potential politicization of economic data.

• Sam Seder (09:02): "Scott Bessant apparently trusts the numbers enough to call for a rate cut, despite the fact that we're seeing core inflation go up."

• Emma Vigland (09:52): "We need to fire the people at Axios so we can get some more accurate headlines for President Trump."

• Milton Alamadi (14:19): "How dare you deprive the ruling planter class of their assets of their property. That is not a good example as well."

Seder criticizes Bessant’s expertise and accuses him of having a "Nazi battleship cruiser" background, mocking his qualifications with humor. The consensus among the panel is that Bessant is unqualified and that his appointment signals a dangerous trend towards data manipulation and authoritarianism.

2. Neocolonialism and France’s Withdrawal from West Africa

Milton Alamadi offers an in-depth analysis of France's recent withdrawal from West Africa, contextualizing it within the broader framework of neocolonialism and its impact on African sovereignty.

• Milton Alamadi (21:53): "France, in addition to the World Bank and the IMF, tied the currencies of the West African countries to the French franc... France was pretty much managing the economies because France was investing that surplus fund." [22:19]

• ** Miltion Alamadi (28:54):** "China has a very unique relationship with Africa because... they want either payment or they want a significant stake in your mineral resources."

Alamadi draws parallels between historical French colonial practices and current geopolitical shifts, emphasizing the rise of African leadership challenging traditional Western dominance. He discusses how young African populations are increasingly resisting external control, whether from France or emerging powers like China and Russia, advocating for self-determination and economic independence.

3. Impact of USAID Cuts on African Economies

Harvey J.K. addresses the ramifications of the Trump administration's substantial cuts to USAID, highlighting the precarious position of African nations reliant on this aid.

• Harvey J.K. (37:41): "In the short run it is going to be devastating. For countries like South Africa, for example, that depended on a very significant amount of that money to support their healthcare program... a lot of people that won't have access to the medicines are going to die."

J.K. explains that while cutting aid is intended to reduce dependency, the immediate effects are dire, leading to increased food imports and a resurgence of neocolonial economic structures where African countries remain reliant on exporting raw materials while importing manufactured goods.

4. The State of American Democracy and Authoritarianism

Harvey J.K. provides a historical perspective on American democracy, comparing the current political climate to the era of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and discussing the decline of the Democratic Party's commitment to progressive values.

• Harvey J.K. (46:57): "We've had this creeping authoritarianism ever since the 70s... and here we are. We are in one of the great crises in American history."

• Milton Alamadi (73:32): "The left has got to grow up. We have to come together around a radical... progressive, economy bill of rights because it is what Americans want."

The panelists argue that unlike the FDR era, where progressive policies were embraced and bolstered by strong democratic institutions, today's political landscape is marked by authoritarian tendencies, diminished party relevance, and compromised economic policies that favor elite interests over the working class.

5. Historical Parallels and the Decline of Labor Influence

The discussion delves into the historical shifts that have undermined labor movements in the United States, notably referencing the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 and its long-term effects on union power.

• Sam Seder (69:31): "Taft Hartley really narrowed the ability. It meant you couldn't have cross sector strikes. You couldn't have strikes outside of shops."

• Milton Alamadi (70:08): "The Democrats turned their back on it. So you know, and then last but not least, you have Ro Khanna... the progressive congressional caucus."

By drawing connections between past legislative changes and present-day political dynamics, the guests highlight the erosion of labor influence and the need for a reinvigorated, unified left to reclaim democratic and economic power.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Sam Seder (09:52): "We need to fire the people at Axios so we can get some more accurate headlines for President Trump."

• Milton Alamadi (21:53): "France was pretty much managing the economies because France was investing that surplus fund." [22:19]

• Harvey J.K. (37:41): "In the short run it is going to be devastating... a lot of people that won't have access to the medicines are going to die."

• Harvey J.K. (46:57): "We are in one of the great crises in American history."

• Milton Alamadi (73:32): "The left has got to grow up... because it is what Americans want."

Concluding Insights

Episode 3559 of The Majority Report serves as a profound tribute to Michael Brooks, encapsulating his passion for progressive politics, foreign policy, and global solidarity. Through the insightful dialogues with Milton Alamadi and Harvey J.K., the episode underscores the pressing challenges facing both African nations in their fight against neocolonialism and the United States grappling with democratic erosion and authoritarian strains. The guests advocate for a revitalized left, grounded in economic justice and solidarity, to confront these multifaceted crises.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the historical contexts provided and consider the pathways towards meaningful political and economic reforms that honor Michael Brooks's legacy of independent analysis and progressive activism.

Note: This summary excludes non-content segments such as advertisements, introductions, and outros, focusing solely on the substantive discussions within the episode.