Aaron Good, a political scientist and historian, talks with Steve about the US political system and power dynamics. They explore the roles of the deep state and oligarchy in policy-making and the suppression of democracy.

“This is a very low point in the history of democracy. Perhaps the lowest point ever, if you put it in a historical context. The United States was never really a democracy. Democracy isn't so much an either/or proposition, I would say it's a continuum ...

“Even in the generic sense of political rights and universal suffrage and basic 'one person, one vote' rules, the US comes up short. The electoral college is a ridiculous system. There are barriers to getting on the ballot.”

The conversation includes a discussion on the role of empire and the pursuit of global dominance in shaping US politics and policies. Aaron argues that the US prioritizes its imperial ambitions over domestic issues, resulting in a loss of political power for most of the population.

Aaron Good holds a doctorate in political science from Temple University. He is the author of American Exception: Empire and the Deep State. Find his podcast at patreon.com/americanexception

Follow Aaron’s work at americanexception.substack.com/

@Aaron_Good_ on Twitter

What Democracy? with Aaron Good

I was recently asked what my politics are. I was never really asked that point blank. And most people expect a concrete answer of left or right. For me a natural answer reared up without any forethought. I said “I’m a humanist”. I’m for anyone or any system that is actually looking out for humans. And no I don’t mean climate alarmists who are still about money and power and are in fact very anti-human. Or anyone who used the pandemic to prophet of fear and devise new ways of control as monetary wealth dwindles. I’m for community and actually thinking about how you elect politicians who speak for you. Do they exist? Do they speak for your family and community? All that and more including a quick dive into some highlights of the Paris Olympics.

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https://open.spotify.com/show/1fKGp9KDHlNQrL0rjegQEP?si=0yCADQMLQKKinYw0VgfrIA

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On Apple Podcasts 
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None of the Above TRUMP or KAMALA and RFK Jr Pushed Out

Etienne de la Boetie² of the Art of Liberty Foundation, Anton Bueckert of Nevermore Media, and Paul Cudenec of Winter Oak discuss the potential overlap of anarchism and voluntaryism as forms of resistance against the criminocratic, oligarchic, and kleptocratic globalist tyranny we all now face! A broad and grassroots populism needs to form, Etienne believes we're in the middle of a one-way revolution which might be going supernova.

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Websites
Etienne de la Boetie²'s Art of Liberty https://artofliberty.org
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Paul Cudenec Substack https://paulcudenec.substack.com
Paul Cudenec's Winter Oak https://winteroak.org.uk

About the Guests
Etienne de la Boetie2 is the founder of the Art of Liberty Foundation, and the editor of the Art of Liberty Daily News on Substack and Five Meme Friday, which delivers hard-hitting voluntaryist memes and the best of the alternative media.  He is an internationally recognized expert and speaker on voluntaryism and government illegitimacy, criminality and corruption. The Art of Liberty Foundation is a start-up public policy organization focused on spreading voluntaryist/libertarian ideas through effective media tailored to visual learners, busy people, and short attention spans.  The foundation produces books, articles, podcasts, memes, videos, infographics, and monographs that explain the basics of voluntaryism and libertarianism while exposing the illegitimacy, illogic, and immorality of government in addition to its criminality and corruption.

NEVERMORE is an anarchist multi-media project which aims to revitalize the anarchist tradition.

Paul Cudenec is a contemporary anarchist writer who very much fits into the organic radical tradition. In 2020 he became known for his outspoken criticism of the totalitarianism being rolled out worldwide on the back of the Covid crisis. Winter Oak is a totally independent not-for-profit organisation with a serious aversion to the global mafia’s “development” agenda and a commitment to truth, freedom and social justice.

*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Boetie², Bueckert, Cudenec: Anarchism & Voluntaryism as Resistance Against the Globalist Criminocracy #483

Peter Duke discusses his fascinating background, who he thinks rules the world, and how they are going about it. He explains some of the deep research he's been doing into "doge" and how that relates to the present day. He also reveals what we can do in the face of global oligarchy.

*Support Geopolitics & Empire!
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Peter Duke Websites
Duke Report https://thedukereport.com
Duke Report Substack https://thedukereport.substack.com
Duke Report on X https://x.com/thedukereport

About Peter Duke
Peter Duke is a Creative Director, Technologist, and Photographer with a diverse background in technology, games, communications, and marketing. His clients include 20th Century Fox, Virgin Entertainment, Sega GameWorks, Universal Studios, SHOAH Foundation Institute, The United States Army, The National Security Agency, Microsoft, Lion's Gate, Capitol EMI, IMAX, Vanity Fair, and Glamour magazines.

In 2010, Peter met Andrew Breitbart and co-founded the outlet GotNews and the news-based crowdfunding sites WeSearchr and FreeStartr. All three enterprises were defunded and de-platformed for wrong-think. In 2017, he was featured in an attempted hit piece in the New York Times, labeled "The Annie Leibovitz of the Alt-Right." While immersed in open-source journalism, he discovered a world of unreported stories, leading to a dizzying and eye-opening reframing of reality. Today, he continues to use his abilities to move the truth forward against the titanic forces of the Power Elite and their henchmen.

His current focus is examining revisionist history and finding ways to communicate with people hypnotized by media. To that end - when he's not writing books - he does a podcast and runs the news aggregator website The Duke Report.

*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Peter Duke: Who Rules the World & The Secret Meaning Behind "Doge" #492

Today, unfortunately, American citizens against their better judgment, voted to elect Trump as our president. Further, this event, insultingly, took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a day meant to honor a man who championed equality and justice for black Americans. To see the rise of Trump, flanked by his band of crony tech-bros—Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Musk—on such a day feels like a cruel mockery of the progress Dr. King fought for. 

Together, this American oligarchy promotes a reality where hate speech masquerades as "free speech" and the myth of meritocracy props up cis-straight-white-males and affluent individuals (including women indoctrinated to uphold this narrative) above everyone else. Have you watched Star Wars? Have you read “A Handmaids Tail”? They parade this so-called "golden age" while leading our democracy into decay. 

In this unsettling time, I felt compelled to revisit the song "Everything Counts" by Depeche Mode. This pop song is a critique of global capitalism and highlights the terrors of a system that prioritizes profit and power over humanity.

“Confidence taken in / By a suntan and a grin.”

When Depeche Mode wrote this lyric, they were describing a businessman on vacation—a man who, let’s be real, doesn’t truly have to work. He can travel the world — relax on the beach. Today, this image eerily mirrors the embodiment of Trump and his ilk.

“The grabbing hands grab all they can / All for themselves, after all.

It’s a competitive world”

(but only for those without the wealth to pay their way to the top).

“Everything counts in large amounts.”

These "large amounts" could represent our social capital or the hard-earned money drained from everyday Americans by the billionaire class—an illness in our democracy. These financially privilieged individuals should pay the same taxes as everyone else, yet they hoard wealth at the expense of society.

As Klypi, a persona I embody, I want to channel the hypocrisy I witness and confront the evils plaguing our reality. Through this character, I hope to amplify a voice of resistance and rally those who dream of a more egalitarian, open-minded, and accepting world.

Through fiction, through play, and through my love of art, I plan to do this.

Written by Depeche Mode
Recorded, produced, and mixed by AC Carter 
Mastered by Wyatt Blair

1/20/2025

Everything Counts

Why This Song Matters Now More Than Ever

This is a song built around the words of Bishop Mariann Budde—a voice of conscience who, at a critical moment in American history, stood against the misuse of faith for political power. Her plea, once spoken in defiance of injustice, now finds new urgency in the face of the United States’ current trajectory. This is more than a song; it is a moral reckoning, a call to action, and a reminder of the responsibility we all bear to defend truth, justice, and human dignity.

The United States is at a crossroads. Democracy, long upheld as the nation’s defining principle, faces unprecedented threats. From voter suppression to efforts to dismantle essential civil rights, the country is shifting toward a reality where power is consolidated in the hands of the few. Project 2025—a radical blueprint for authoritarian governance—looms over the nation, threatening to reshape institutions to serve ideological extremism. It seeks to erode democratic norms, silence dissent, and redefine the role of government in ways that prioritize control over freedom.

At the same time, the world watches as America’s influence extends beyond its borders. Policies on immigration, climate action, military engagement, and global diplomacy send ripples across the planet. When the U.S. turns inward, embracing nationalism over cooperation, the consequences are not confined to its own citizens. The rise of authoritarian movements worldwide mirrors the shifts happening in Washington, where faith is increasingly weaponized to justify oppression rather than liberation.

Bishop Budde’s words first gained prominence when she condemned the use of a sacred space—the grounds of St. John’s Episcopal Church—for a political stunt. Her voice rose against the exploitation of faith as a tool of power. That moment resonated because it laid bare a dangerous truth: when religious symbols are co-opted for political gain, justice suffers. Today, that same warning must be heeded, as faith communities again find themselves at the center of political battles over human rights, freedom of thought, and the very meaning of moral leadership.

By turning these words into music, this song serves as both a tribute and a challenge. Music has always been a force of resistance, from spirituals sung in defiance of slavery to anthems of the civil rights movement. In a time of increasing division, this song offers a unifying message, reminding people of the power of conscience and the necessity of standing up for what is right.

The urgency of this release cannot be overstated. As laws are rewritten, as voices of opposition are silenced, as fear is leveraged to justify the loss of fundamental freedoms, the need for moral clarity grows. This song is not just about the past—it is about now. It is about ensuring that faith, hope, and justice are not manipulated, but instead used as forces for liberation.

In three days, the world will hear this message. The question is: will we listen?

One Final Plea

Beatport

Thought we would be alright
But it just wasn’t true 
Ain’t true
Hard to see the side that's bright
When they're killing you	 
Me and you

Tried to make the future  bright 		
But they couldn't take it
And it's looking like 				
Now we may have to break it

They own the stations and the papers and the sites	 
 - not telling you what’s true
Making money hand over fist on our decline
 - what’s stopping me and you?	
They’ll never wear our shoes

The Claims Adjuster didn’t act alone, 
He was reppin’ me and you
 - it’s true!
Moss grows green  on the	family 	stones, 
don’t get confused 
 - by the fake news

Tried to make the future bright	
But we couldn't take it
And it's looking like			
Now we may have to break it
We are the source of power	 in all our lives 	    
We just can’t lose
Together we’re the source of power 	
In all our lives
We just can’t lose

Thought that we would have a voice
They got me 	fighting you
it’s true
Rowing together in a sinking choice
United we stand
We just can’t lose

Fake News

TRIBE

The wealth of billionaires worldwide increased by $2.2 trillion in 2024, with the ten most richest increasing their wealth by greater than $100 million/day. Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, says that "it's not about the money, it's about the power" -- specifically, the power over elections and policies. That power steals the voices and votes of the population, and blocks policies that could be helping people. More in Collins' article about the Davos Economic Forum, in his article "World leaders at Davos need to tax millionaires like me. The fate of our planet and democracy depends on it."

buzz-2-12-25-Chuck-Collins

Thomas Fazi joins Steve once again, this time to explore the current geopolitical landscape under Trump 2.0 and the absurdity of an American empire that creates enemies out of thin air to justify its ongoing military and economic interventions.

The conversation touches on the implications of austerity measures on the working class and the irony of billionaires like Elon Musk advocating for cuts to government spending while enjoying the benefits of public funding via massive subsidies.

With a touch of sarcasm, Thomas & Steve critique how the political elite manipulate narratives to maintain control and distract from the real issues facing ordinary citizens. They remind us of the need to critically examine the intricate relationship between power, propaganda, and the everyday lives of people.

Thomas Fazi is a “journalist/writer/translator/socialist.” who lives in Italy. He is the co-director of Standing Army (2010), an award-winning feature-length documentary on US military bases featuring Gore Vidal and Noam Chomsky; and the author of The Battle for Europe: How an Elite Hijacked a Continent – and How We Can Take It Back (2014) and Reclaiming the State: A Progressive Vision of Sovereignty for a Post-Neoliberal World (co-authored with Bill Mitchell, 2017). His articles have appeared in numerous online and printed publications. Find links to his articles on his Substack.

Lions & Lambs with Thomas Fazi

Suit Up

I made this track October 27th 2024 a few days before the election. I sat on it because it felt like some anti American hater shit but now that we're all where we're at presently... I feel comfortable dropping it. 

Lyrics:

[Noam Chomsky]
Societies differ, but in ours ... the major ... decisions over what happens in the society... decisions over investment and production, and distribution, and so on... are in the hands of a relatively concentrated network of... major corporations and conglomerates and investment firms and so on...they are also the ones who staff the major executive positions in the government, and they are the ones who run the media... 

[Me]

American dream not as close as it seems
Wall to wall morons, opportunist's scheme 
A man in a land designed by elite
A man with a vision who came from humble means.

I'll miss the sticks, but we escaped
My origins lookin' way more hostile everyday
I'm feelin' pretty strange I know you relate 
We'll scapegoat the other to pass off the blame. 

Anger is an understatement, 
These algorithms got me 
Wound up, and agitated...
I'm aggravated. 

Walkin' round the park giving toddlers dirty looks...
Aura's pretty hot got the joggers lookin' shook

American dream not as close as it seems
Content locked, without a pot to hold my steam
Too proud for hand outs, too proud to steal
Wake me up when opportunity is real. 

[Guitar solo] 

Consider this a true 90's kid with 
Nightmares of suicide bombs and terrorists 
Make it make sense? ...
Yeah never mind, I figured out the math like manufactured consent.

The narrative was told to you, was sold to you
You questioned it they scolded you, you know it's true
I never stopped to think about the lives we lost, 
Lila Lipscomb's screams haunt my thoughts.

15 years old eternally scrolling
Clicked on a thread, Travon was dead 
( Directors note* with pics of the corpse leaked by broward contry sherrifs office.. thanks reddit... )

The first thing that popped, in my teen-aged head 
He looked just like my younger brother lifeless and red. 
And that was the day my pride went away
Every scandal since cemented hate
The land of the great...
This backwards FUCKING place...

[Noam Compsky]

And their the ones who have to be in the positions to make the decisions...
They have an overwhelmingly dominate role in the way life happens...
Within the economic system, by law, and by principle, they dominate.
The control over resources and the need to satisfy their interests imposes very sharp constraints on the political system and the ideological system. 

When we talk about manufacturing consent who's consent is being manufactured?

(Directors Note* For our daft/foolish listeners, the public... the public's consent is being manufactured. It's brainwashing via corporate propaganda)

THANKS FOR LISTENING CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILDREN!

Cooked Dreams

Sound collage DJ set of Bernie Sander's Oligarchy Tour juxtaposed with tyrants.

Authoritarianism DJ Set

Trevayne is from Melbourne Australia and is an electronic music composer and producer devoted to creating and manipulating original electronic sounds in the pursuit of the essence of true deep tech house.

His work spans more than two decades, includes international stage performance, live TV, studio session work and has been recently translated into a growing number of recorded works - EPs, Studio Albums and other collaborative efforts.

These recordings capture a devotion to experimental, melodic deeper beats that are facilitated through the unique combination of organic sounds, distinctive samples and warm analogue synths that are interwoven throughout.

I have started working on my third album, Trial and TError.  

Diary of the Damned is now on SoundCloud (one skit need to be added still), hoping to have it ready soon for Spotify and others!

Underground rapper from Ontario.  I like to tell stories with my music a lot of which are true stories unfortunately.  I’m a lyricist first and foremost so you won’t find any mumble rap here, sorry if that’s the trend.  I’m too old for that haha.

The Geopolitics & Empire Podcast conducts interviews with prominent international experts on a wide-range of topics.

Past guests have included diplomats, government officials, whistleblowers, soldiers, spies, economists, academics, scientists, wealthy investors, dissidents, journalists, and musicians.

The broadcast seeks to gain insight from guests who come from the left, right, and beyond. It should go without saying that the host does not always agree with beliefs espoused by podcast invitees, but maintains an open mind, and believes it important to respectfully listen to a multitude of voices and let listeners come to their own conclusions.

*Music used in podcast intro is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)

Listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered, noncommercial community radio broadcasting to south-central Wisconsin at 89.9 FM and online at wortfm.org via our studios in Madison. 

We provide an outlet for communication, education, free expression, entertainment, training and access for the purpose of sharing music, information, news, and cultural experiences, and strive to give people underrepresented elsewhere in traditional media a voice. 

NOTE: Most of the content posted at this time are news stories or talk shows. 

MUSICIANS:  We NEVER look on our SoundCloud for music submissions, so it's not a very efficient way to contact us. Please go to www.wortfm.org and click on Music --> Music Submissions for our submission info and guidelines. Thanks and we look forward to hearing your music!

The official podcast of radio host Big Sonny. Be sure to tune in every Tuesday at 6pm AEST on 99.3FM Sunbury Radio. Join the conversation on my weekly podcast along with special guests as we dig deep into politics and pop culture, music and movies and more !. Learn something new or have a good laugh as we talk above the noise of mainstream media. Be "awake" not "woke" and keep freedom of speech "free"

Sometimes solo, sometimes with a band, I try to approach rock and roll with a jazz mentality where each show is different.

Also do recording and live bass sessions for others, paint and design album covers and other rock merch and paraphernalia. 

I used to play bass for Toshio; guitar and sing for wavegaze trio Dolphins Don't Love; play synth and bass in Brian Bonz & The Major Crimes. 
Co-founder bass/synth/vocals of now-defunct post-apocalyptic rock band The Sky Captains of Industry

Macroeconomics has never been so ... delish!  Macro and Cheese explores the progressive movement through the lens of Modern Monetary Theory, with hot and irreverent political takes, spotlights in activism, and the razor sharp musings of Real Progressives Founder and host Steve Grumbine.  The cheese will flow as experts come in for a full, four course deep dive into the hot queso. 

Comfort Food for Thought!

https://soundcloud.com/wunderlogik/lebensmude

УБИЙТЕ ОЛИГАРХИЯТА

Dubul' ibhunu

отричам защитавам депонирам

Podcaster, music lover, recovering DJ extraordinaire...

New tracks tagged #OLIGARCHY