In this episode of EcoJustice Radio, we share the recording of Upstream Podcast sitting down with Abby Martin, a fearless journalist, filmmaker, and activist known for her unflinching critiques of US imperialism. Abby’s work, including her upcoming film “Earth’s Greatest Enemy,” sheds light on the devastating impacts of US policies both domestically and abroad.
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Earth’s Greatest Enemy: The U.S. Empire with Abby Martin
In this powerful episode we share a live interview with renowned journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin [https://x.com/AbbyMartin]. which we attended. Upstream Podcast [https://www.upstreampodcast.org/] did the interview, with the event sponsored by All Power Books in Los Angeles. Hosts Robert Raymond and Della Duncan engage in a wide-ranging conversation with Abby, known for her unapologetic anti-imperialist stance. They delve into the interconnected issues of US imperialism, global capitalism, and environmental destruction.
The conversation began with a deep dive into the interconnected issues of global capitalism and US imperialism. Abby eloquently explained how these two forces are inextricably linked, with the US military acting as the enforcer of a global system designed to prioritize profits over people and the planet. This system, she argues, is responsible for a myriad of crises, from climate change to global inequality.
Earth’s Greatest Enemy
One of the most striking parts of our discussion was Abby’s insights into her upcoming documentary, “Earth’s Greatest Enemy.” This film focuses on the US military’s role as the largest institutional source of climate emissions on the planet. Despite this, the military is exempt from international climate protocols. Abby shared harrowing statistics and stories about the environmental destruction caused by military activities, from toxic dumping to habitat destruction.
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Gaza Fights for Freedom
Abby also recounted her experiences filming “Gaza Fights for Freedom,” a documentary that captures the brutal reality of life in Gaza under Israeli occupation. Her firsthand accounts of the violence and suffering endured by Palestinians are both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. Abby’s unapologetic stance on these issues has made her a prominent voice in the anti-imperialist movement, but it has also subjected her to significant backlash.
Throughout the conversation, Abby emphasized the importance of alternative media in challenging mainstream narratives and exposing the truth. She called for a new media landscape that serves the people rather than the elites, highlighting the crucial role that independent journalists and filmmakers play in this fight.
As we approach the upcoming US elections, Abby urged listeners to view this moment as an opportunity to galvanize and radicalize our movements. She stressed that real change will not come from electoral politics alone but from building mass movements that demand justice and accountability.
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Breaking the Chains of Empire
This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to understanding the deep-rooted issues of imperialism and the urgent need for systemic change. Abby Martin’s insights and experiences provide a powerful call to action for all of us to fight for a better world.
Thank you to All Power Books [https://allpowerbooks.org/] in Los Angeles for organizing this event—they are a radical bookstore and community space that are the real deal. Check them out and support their incredible work. And, visit https://earthsgreatestenemy.com/ to chip in and support Abby and her team in getting their film past the finish line—they are still raising funds to complete production.
Resources/Articles:
Abby Martin is a journalist, filmmaker, activist who hosts, directs, and writes the YouTube show The Empire Files [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG29FnXZm4F5U8xpqs1cs1Q], an independent documentary & interview series – reporting on war & inequality from the heart of Empire. She is director of the film Gaza Fights for Freedom [https://gazafightsforfreedom.com/] and the upcoming documentary Earth’s Greatest Enemy [https://earthsgreatestenemy.com/]. She also co-hosts Media Roots Radio [https://soundcloud.com/media-roots].
Upstream Podcast [https://www.upstreampodcast.org/about] features co-hosts Della Z. Duncan and Robert Raymond offering a quarterly Documentary series and a bi-monthly In Conversation series exploring a variety of themes pertaining to economics — from an anti-capitalist perspective.
Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.
Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/
Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/
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Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 236
Photo credit: Jack Eidt
Updated 27 October 2024
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