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Bernie/AOC "Are Compromised, They Are Class Traitors." Labor Silent on Israel? (W/ Chris Smalls)

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Video Description:

American labor organizer who founded the first independent, worker-led union at a Staten Island Amazon warehouse, Chris Smalls, recently made headlines when he was detained by Israel after being illegally detained along with his crew members on the most recent Gaza Freedom Flotilla headed to Gaza to break Israel's illegal siege, and deliver food and medical supplies. Smalls discusses how he and the one Arab member of the flotilla were treated differently, how he was abandoned by the US embassy (in contrast to how other governments supported their nationals), and dives deep into the betrayal by labor leadership and leftists leaders like Bernie Sanders and AOC who remain silent on Small's capture and assault to date. Chris reveals plans to develop a new labor party that cannot be ignored by Dem-captured labor leadership, the need to leave the Democratic Party "plantation," and why he won't be supporting an AOC 2028 run.


Generated Summary:

Bernie/AOC "Are Compromised, They are Class Traitors." Labor SILENT on Israel? (w/ Chris Smalls)

This video features a discussion with Chris Smalls, the labor organizer who founded the first independent, worker-led union at an Amazon warehouse. Smalls discusses his recent detention by Israel while participating in a Gaza Freedom Flotilla, the differential treatment he and the Arab member of the flotilla received, and the lack of support from the US embassy. The conversation further explores the silence and betrayal from labor leadership and leftist leaders like Bernie Sanders and AOC regarding his capture and assault. Smalls also shares his plans to develop a new labor party and his reasons for not supporting an AOC 2028 run.

Key Points:

  • Chris Smalls' Experience in Israel: Smalls recounts his experience being detained in Israel while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, highlighting the different treatment he and the Arab member of the flotilla received. He also notes the lack of support from the US embassy compared to other governments' support for their nationals.
  • Criticism of Labor Leaders and Progressive Democrats: Smalls expresses strong criticism towards labor leaders and prominent progressive Democrats like Bernie Sanders and AOC for their silence and inaction regarding his detention and the broader issue of Palestinian liberation. He labels them as "compromised" and "class traitors."
  • The Stigma Around Palestinian Liberation: Smalls addresses the stigma that Palestinian liberation is not their fight, comparing it to similar sentiments he faced when organizing against Amazon. He argues that such divisiveness is a tool of capitalism and urges people to come together in solidarity.
  • Union Resolutions and Actions: Smalls explains the importance of union resolutions in publicly stating a union's position on issues like the Palestinian cause, including calls for a ceasefire and divestment from deals with Israel. He criticizes major international federations and unions for failing to pass such resolutions and even fighting against them.
  • Rationale Behind Union's Inaction: The discussion explores the reasons behind the union leadership's reluctance to support resolutions on Palestine, pointing to their historical ties with Israel and the influence of political affiliations, particularly with the Democratic Party.
  • Decline of Union Density and the Need for a New Labor Party: Smalls discusses the declining union density in America and attributes it to the failure of labor unions to include grassroots movements. He advocates for escaping the "two-party plantation" and creating a new US labor party to address the needs of the working class effectively.
  • The Threat of Artificial Intelligence: Smalls warns about the impending threat of artificial intelligence to the labor force and emphasizes the need for proactive measures rather than retroactive responses.

Highlighted Information:

  • "They are compromised. They are class traitors." - Smalls' blunt assessment of AOC, Bernie Sanders, and other progressive Democrats who have remained silent on his capture and the Palestinian issue.
  • "Palestinian civil rights movement always stood hand in hand from the very beginning [with the Black community]." - Underscores the historical alliance between the African-American and Palestinian freedom struggles.
  • "Some [unions] even fought against resolutions that were being presented and some of these were simple as just saying that uh we need a ceasefire." - Highlights the extent of opposition within some unions even to basic calls for peace.
  • "I'm working on a side project which will eventually be my main focus is trying to create and revitalize the once US labor party that we had." - Reveals Smalls' plan to create a new labor party, signaling a significant shift in his approach to labor activism.
  • "It's the fault of the system that was designed uh not to be in our favor." - Smalls' assessment of why labor organizing is difficult in the US.

About Channel:

based on the hit tv show

With Briahna Joy Gray

Host @BadFaithPod, censored by @RisingTheHill. Former National Press Secretary for #BernieSanders2020. Former Senior Politics Editor @theintercept

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