Added: Oct 27, 2023
Glenn Greenwald, an author, journalist, and political commentator, discusses various topics in this podcast episode. He begins by talking about his reputation as the American left's most fearless political commentator, which he believes is no longer accurate. He explains that his views on civil liberties and free speech have remained consistent, but the political landscape has shifted, causing him to be labeled as right-wing even though his views haven't changed.Greenwald then discusses his background in law and his focus on First Amendment litigation. He explains that he was drawn to defending free speech and civil liberties because he saw censorship as a tool of the establishment to suppress marginalized voices. He mentions a case where he defended a neo-Nazi leader's right to practice law, arguing that censorship only strengthens these marginalized ideologies and turns them into martyrs.
The conversation then shifts to the current state of free speech and censorship. Greenwald highlights the increasing restrictions on free speech, particularly in Canada, where professional regulatory boards are taking a restrictive view of fitness to practice. He argues that this trend is dangerous because it stifles critical thinking and creates a conformist society. He also mentions the use of censorship by powerful corporations, such as Google, to silence voices they disagree with.
The discussion then turns to the mounting pressure on free speech and the reasons behind it. Greenwald believes that one factor is the generational shift in values, with younger generations prioritizing other values over free speech. He also points to the election of Donald Trump as a catalyst for the clampdown on free speech, as it allowed the establishment to depict him as an unprecedented evil. This led to the belief that anything is justified in the name of stopping Trump and his movement.
Greenwald also discusses the aftermath of 9/11 and how it contributed to the erosion of civil liberties. He mentions the transformation of airports into micro-fascist states and the conditioning of people to unquestioningly obey authority in the name of safety. He argues that this training has made people more accepting of infringements on their autonomy.
The conversation continues with a discussion on the threat of fear to liberty. Greenwald argues that fear is often used as an excuse to interfere with fundamental liberties, whether it's the fear of neo-Nazis, jihadists, pandemics, or environmental disasters. He emphasizes that these rights are axiomatic and should be protected because there is no better approach than to leave people alone and allow them to express their views freely.
Greenwald also discusses the dangers of censorship and the control of information. He mentions how the internet, which was initially seen as a tool for emancipation and freedom, has become a means of control and surveillance. He highlights the power of propaganda and its ability to manipulate and control people's thoughts and actions. He argues that the censorship regime is not just about punishing dissidents, but about eliminating dissent and controlling the flow of information.
The conversation then shifts to the relationship between religion and politics. Greenwald reflects on the collapse of the religious into the political and the dangers it poses. He suggests that without a separate conceptual domain for different concerns, the battle between good and evil becomes a political war. He warns against demonizing enemies and using fear to justify totalitarianism.
Greenwald shares his personal journey towards spirituality and religion. He explains how he used to dismiss religion as archaic and unnecessary, but as he got older and experienced certain life events, he began to see the value in spirituality and the need for a higher purpose. He believes that spirituality is a fundamental part of being human and that it provides a foundation for ethics and morality.
The conversation then delves into the role of hypocrisy in politics. Greenwald discusses his book "Great American Hypocrites: Toppling the Big Myths of Republican Politics" and explains that it was written from a more partisan perspective. He criticizes the Republican Party for relying on certain archetypes and icons that do not align with their actual behavior. He argues that there is a disconnect between the public image of politicians and their private lives.
Greenwald continues by reflecting on his book "Securing Democracy" and the challenges he faced in publishing it. He believes that the partisan nature of book publishing, especially in politics, often leads to the production of material that caters to a specific political camp. He acknowledges that while his critiques in the book were valid, they were not confined to the Republican Party alone. He also expresses his disappointment with the focus on the hypocrisy of politicians, which he considers to be low-hanging fruit and lacking in insight.
Moving on to his book "With Liberty and Justice for Some," Greenwald discusses the systemic critique it offers. He highlights the issue of elite immunity and the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on the poor. He argues that there is a growing divide between the elites and the majority of people, which is destabilizing for society. He suggests that the response to this divide can either involve appeasing the masses or adopting authoritarian measures to suppress dissent. Greenwald believes that the West is choosing the latter path, leading to a decline in democracy and an increase in authoritarianism.
The conversation then shifts to Greenwald's book "No Place to Hide," which focuses on his work with Edward Snowden and the revelations about mass surveillance by the US government and its allies. Greenwald emphasizes the lack of accountability and transparency in the US security state, which operates in secrecy without democratic oversight. He expresses concern that the situation has worsened since the book's publication, with the rise of new threats and the manipulation of fear by the intelligence agencies and the media.
Greenwald also delves into the concept of the elite and its role in shaping the political landscape. He acknowledges that the term "elite" can be ambiguous and subject to misuse. However, he argues that it is not difficult to identify who falls into this category based on the views that are permitted and suppressed. He points out that the cultural left, focused on identity politics and gender ideology, has become increasingly censorious, controlling, and repressive. He highlights the alliance between this cultural left and the corporate and governmental powers, which he sees as a dangerous development.
In conclusion, Greenwald suggests that the best camouflage for psychopathic manipulators is compassion, as it allows them to manipulate others while appearing virtuous. He argues that the alliance between the cultural left and the corporate and governmental powers is driven by shared interests and the desire to maintain power and control. He emphasizes the need for new conceptualizations and opposition strategies in the face of this changing political landscape.
