On DeProgram, hosts John Kiriakou and Ted Rall dissect a series of urgent issues dominating today’s headlines. They begin with the arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, where NYPD buses hauled off demonstrators amid a Trump administration crackdown targeting student activism. The hosts explore how these arrests, including that of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student detained during a citizenship interview, reflect a broader assault on free speech. Next, they tackle Senator John Fetterman’s bizarre behavior, questioning the motives behind his increasingly erratic public statements and private actions. The discussion shifts to the case of Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish Ph.D. candidate detained for co-authoring a pro-Palestinian op-ed. A federal appeals court recently ordered her transfer to Vermont by May 14th, marking a setback for Trump’s aggressive deportation policies.  Finally, they expose disturbing reports that Trump’s team is exploring deporting Asian immigrants to Libya, a move lawyers argue violates international law. With their incisive commentary, the hosts connect these stories to reveal a chilling pattern of authoritarianism, eroded civil liberties, and systemic overreach. This episode is essential listening for those seeking unfiltered insights into the forces shaping our world. Join Kiriakou and Rall as they challenge the establishment narrative and call for resistance—stream now on your favorite podcast platform.

The post DeProgram: Crackdowns, Chaos, and Covert Schemes appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

The philosopher Nigel Warburton shrugged: “Users of slippery slope arguments should take skiing lessons—you really can choose to stop.” But slippery slopes are a thing precisely because people often choose to keep cruising along until they smash into Sonny Bono’s tree.

Critics from both parties describe Donald Trump’s behavior and policies as unprecedented. This presidency, however, did not emerge from a vacuum. Everything Trump does builds on presidential politics of the not-so-recent past—mostly, but not always, Republican.

Trump has shocked free speech advocates and civil libertarians by ordering his masked ICE goons to abduct college students off city streets for participating in campus protests criticizing Israel for carpet-bombing Gaza. (An aside: what will he say when someone avails themselves of their Second Amendment rights rather than allow themselves to be chucked into an unmarked van by random strangers?)

Government oppression of dissidents in America has a rich and foul history. During the 1999 Seattle WTO protests, which included many college students, Bill Clinton’s Immigration and Naturalization Service (the predecessor of ICE) detained and initiated deportation proceedings against students from Canada and Europe who were arrested for opposing free trade agreements. Under Reagan, the INS moved to deport African students who participated in rallies urging colleges to pull investments out of apartheid-era South Africa. Nixon’s FBI and INS worked to revoke the visas of students who protested the Vietnam War, particularly those from Canada and Latin America. George W. Bush conducted “extraordinary renditions,” including off U.S. streets, where individuals like Maher Arar, who was entirely innocent, were detained without charge and sent to third countries for interrogation that included torture, under the guise of national security.

Trump is demanding that universities and major law firms bend the knee, insisting that college administrators surrender to federal oversight and eliminate DEI policies, and that attorneys allocate hundreds of millions of dollars in pro bono legal work to clients allied to Trump.

It’s freaky—but there is precedent for this kind of bullying.

Even though universities like UC Berkeley, Columbia and Kent State viciously suppressed anti-Vietnam War protesters, Nixon threatened to cut federal funding unless they unleashed even more police violence. The FBI’s COINTELPRO program spied on professors and students and Nixon’s Justice Department fired off letters to university presidents demanding that activist students be suspended or expelled. Nixon’s INS visa revocations normalized targeting student activists; Trump exploits that now.

The Education Department, under Reagan, threatened to withhold federal funds from colleges whose admission and financial aid policies included affirmative action. Bush went after universities like MIT, NYU and the University of Michigan for allowing international students and faculty to criticize U.S. foreign policy. The DOJ and FBI demanded student visa records and monitored campus groups—especially Muslim Student Associations—for links to radical Islamists.

FDR attacked “Wall Street lawyers” for obstructing his New Deal, and his top officials leaned on firms to represent labor unions pro bono in order to make up for their alleged pro-business bias.

Though the Trump Administration will almost certainly fall short of its goal of deporting a million people it alleges are in the United States illegally, this White House looks exceptionally aggressive against illegal immigration due to moves like deporting 238 alleged (but probably not) Venezuelan gang members to a private for-profit gulag in a third country with which they have no affiliation, El Salvador, and refusing to bring back one it admits was expelled illegally as the result of an “administrative error.”

But the real Deporters in Chief were Bill Clinton, who “removed” 11.4 million undocumented workers from the U.S., and George W. Bush, with 8.3 million. The Bush Administration kidnapped “enemy combatants” without due process and shipped them the U.S. concentration camp at Guantánamo Bay.Detainees from countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and others were held in a third country (Cuba) without being returned to their home nations. Some were later transferred to fourth countries like Albania or Qatar for resettlement or further detention.

You have to go back further to find antecedents for Trump’s 10% universal tariff on all imports, up to 145% on China, and reciprocal tariffs on about 90 countries. Still, here too, there’s nothing new under the sun. Biden continued Trump’s first-term 25% tariffs against China. Reagan slapped tariffs against Japan and Canada. Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which added an average of 45% tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods to try to protect farms and industries during the Depression.

Then there are the DOGE mass firings orchestrated by Elon Musk. Musk’s chainsaw-wielding theatricality aside, going after federal bureaucracy with an axe instead of a scalpel is anything but new.

Through his National Performance Review (later renamed “Reinventing Government”), Clinton eliminated 377,000 federal jobs—17% of the total workforce. He got rid of about 100 programs and consolidated 800 agencies. Not unlike Musk’s “fork in the road” mass email offers, Clinton offered buyouts up to $25,000 to about federal 100,000 workers. Reagan, Carter and Nixon each fired tens of thousands of federal workers. Like Trump, Reagan called for the elimination of the Department of Education; probably like Trump, he failed.

In most cases, such as Nixon’s surveillance or Clinton’s deportations, liberals and mainstream media offered brief, muted criticism. If there had been broader and more sustained outrage in response to these previous outrages, odds are that Trump would be operating with somewhat less untrammeled volition today.

We can’t go back in time. Hopefully this moment will remind us that there are consequences for every decision not to protest and not to raise hell—and that those consequences may play out in the distant future.

(Ted Rall, the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, is the author of “Never Mind the Democrats. Here’s WHAT’S LEFT.” Subscribe: tedrall.Substack.com.)

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

The post Trump Is Shocking But Not New appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

A World War I propaganda poster warned that individuals failing to support war efforts would face future shame for cowardice. Combat required immense bravery. Today, democracy falters as Trump enacts deportations without due process and censors universities. Courage remains scarce. Will people standing silent now face judgment later?

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

The post History Warns, Courage Wanes appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents grab college students and migrants from American city streets, igniting fury over reckless tactics. Plainclothes agents, lacking uniforms or visible badges, use unmarked vehicles to detain people like a Tufts student in Massachusetts and a Columbia graduate in New York, often targeting visa holders tied to protests. Fears are rising that unclear identity risks deadly mix-ups. Some warn that a detainee, mistaking agents for thugs, might claim Second Amendment self-defense, sparking violence. Communities demand clarity as tensions climb. With over 32,000 arrests since January 2025, debate rages: lawful action or wild overreach? The nation braces for what looms in this heated clash.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

The post ICE Grabs Students. Self-Defense Clash Looms. appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

I’m trying to determine whether it would be viable to do public appearances in support of my new book, a manifesto that carefully explains what the Left is, what it should fight for, and how radical demands are realistic.

On the one hand, early sales are promising, and there would be value in holding discussions about how the real Left outside the Democrats can rebuild.

On the other hand, travel is expensive so it’s only worthwhile if there is a host–bookstore, community group, library, university–to sponsor and to promote an event.

If you’re interested, and you have connections to such a host, please contact me: Rall.com/contact.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

The post “What’s Left” Book Tour? appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Streaming Anytime, LIVE 10 AM Eastern time!

Get ready for TMI with hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan, as they dive into a seismic legal showdown that’s rocking the core of U.S. immigration policy! This week, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas, Fernando Rodriguez Jr., dropped a bombshell ruling that’s sending shockwaves through the administration’s playbook. Tune in as Ted and Manila unpack the dramatic decision that struck down Donald Trump’s controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process—a move that saw over 130 migrants fast-tracked to El Salvador, skipping standard hearings.

In a scathing 36-page opinion, Judge Rodriguez dismantled the administration’s legal stance, ruling that the wartime-era law—meant for enemy nationals during conflict—cannot be weaponized for routine immigration enforcement. The decision, which found Trump’s actions in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, marks a historic first in challenging the misuse of this centuries-old statute. While the ruling is limited to South Texas, its implications are monumental, potentially shaping future legal battles nationwide as Trump weighs an appeal. Immigrant rights advocates, including the ACLU, are hailing the decision as a victory for justice.

Expect a gripping discussion as Ted and Manila bring their signature blend of sharp insight and unfiltered analysis to this landmark case. Why does this ruling matter? It’s a pivotal moment in the fight over presidential power, immigration rights, and the rule of law. Don’t miss this episode of TMI—where hard-hitting truths meet fearless commentary. Catch it live and join the conversation that everyone will be talking about!

 

 

The post TMI Show Ep 130: “Judge Nixes Trump’s Deportation Power Grab” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

David Hogg, DNC Vice President, vows to challenge older incumbent Democrats in primaries, arguing age limits their leadership. The Democratic Party, viewed as led by elderly figures, faces a graver issue, record low poll ratings from an unclear, unappealing message. While age sparks debate, the party fails to offer a unified vision voters embrace. Hogg pushes for younger leaders to revive enthusiasm, yet primaries alone cannot resolve the crisis without a strong platform. Democrats must forge a clear, compelling message to restore trust, counter declining support, and navigate a divided political landscape effectively.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

The post Hogg Zaps Boomers, Message Still MIA appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time & Streaming Anytime:

On The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan, streaming live on May 1, 2025, at 10 AM ET— it’s International Workers’ Day! This isn’t just a broadcast; it’s a battle cry for justice, airing on YouTube and Rumble, perfectly synced with the launch of Ted Rall’s groundbreaking book, “What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems” (ISBN: 979-8-8898622-0-1). Available live or on demand, this episode is set to ignite a movement.

As the world honors workers, “The TMI Show” confronts the raw truths of a system bleeding $3.8 trillion annually on wars and billionaire tax breaks while 770,000 Americans sleep on the streets. Rall and Chan bring their razor-sharp insight to the fight, exposing a government that preaches “for the people” but serves the elite. It’s unfiltered, urgent, and loaded with the kind of truth that demands action.

Enter “What’s Left”—a fearless manifesto for a true Left rooted in socialism and dignity. Rall, the incisive cartoonist and columnist, unleashes 20 radical demands: cut Pentagon spending by 90% to fund free healthcare and education; hike the minimum wage to $60/hour; turn 15 million vacant homes into housing for the homeless. With 40% of Americans warming to socialism, this book is a wake-up call—offering a roadmap to end poverty and inequality with resources we already have. It’s a provocation that dares the powerful to refuse, exposing their greed.

This episode fuses global worker solidarity with a vision for revolution. “The TMI Show” and “What’s Left” deliver a one-two punch: bold ideas, fierce critique, and a call to rise up. Don’t miss it—tune in and join the fight for a world where everyone thrives!

The post TMI Show Ep 129: “What’s Left?” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fimtBfr

Or via your local bookstore.

Or here at Rall.com, where the copy comes autographed.

The post What’s Left appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

paypal.HostedButtons({ hostedButtonId: "E6NHPHEN6HF9L", }).render("#paypal-container-E6NHPHEN6HF9L")

To Order What’s Left via Amazon, click here.
Please Note: Books purchased via Amazon will not be autographed.

To Order What’s Left from your favorite local bookstore, give them this ISBN: 979-8-898622-0-1
Please Note: Books purchased via your local store will not be autographed. Ted is, however, available to visit your store if they choose to invite him for a public appearance.

 

 

The post “What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Live 4 pm Eastern Time + Streaming 24-7:

Join Ted Rall and Scott Stantis as they dive into the enduring lessons of the Vietnam War, marking 50 years since the fall of Saigon. This episode unpacks America’s failure to learn from defeat, exploring the universal value of self-determination, the pitfalls of military hegemony, and the staggering costs of war—$1 trillion in today’s dollars, millions of lives lost, and a legacy of PTSD and neglected infrastructure. From the haunting parallels in Iraq and Afghanistan to the historical ramifications of colonial powers like the Netherlands and France, who turned defeat into domestic renewal, Rall and Stantis challenge us to rethink America’s global role. Tune in for a raw, thought-provoking left-vs-right dialogue on how the U.S. can finally accept defeat and invest in its own future.

The post DMZ America Podcast Ep 202: “50 Years Post-Saigon” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

LIVE 2 pm Eastern Time & Streaming On Demand Afterward:

Dive into “DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou” as they unpack the high-stakes developments of Donald Trump’s first 100 days. With incisive clarity, they analyze today’s newly released economic figures, decoding their implications for America’s trajectory—growth or decline?

The hosts explore the heating 2028 Democratic presidential race, where Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo just announced her candidacy, joining potential contenders like Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, and Pete Buttigieg in a fierce battle to shape the party’s future.

The episode intensifies with breaking news on Trump’s deportation policies: the president’s newly-admitted defiance in refusing to retrieve Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador’s brutal CECOT prison, despite court orders, ignites a constitutional crisis. Meanwhile, a federal judge’s ruling to free Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student activist detained by ICE over pro-Palestinian protests, raises critical questions about free speech and government overreach.

Rall and Kiriakou deliver unflinching commentary, exposing the human and political toll of these unfolding dramas. From economic fault lines to immigration battles, this episode is essential listening for those craving truth amid the chaos. Expect bold perspectives and a challenge to question the status quo in this 60-minute deep dive. Catch DeProgram now on all major podcast platforms—don’t miss this electrifying discussion!

The post DeProgram: “Trump’s 100 Days & 2028 Dems” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Live 10 AM Eastern time; Streaming All Other Times:

On “The TMI Show” with Ted Rall and Manila Chan, the hosts sit down with Dr. Neal King, a psychologist, former college president, and author of the profound new book “Trauma is a Thief.” Described by Midwest Book Review as “an extraordinary, compelling, and intensely personal life story and psychological study,” King’s work chronicles his journey from a childhood shattered by sexual and physical abuse, abandonment, and familial addiction to his distinguished career in international education and mental health advocacy.
Blending memoir with psychological insight, “Trauma is a Thief” explores how King survived the “thief” that stole something essential from him, drawing on his training, including Carl Jung’s wisdom, to offer strategies for navigating trauma’s lasting impact. As a licensed psychologist and former president of Antioch University Los Angeles, King transforms his painful past into a universal case study, creating a vital resource for survivors, their loved ones, and professionals.

Ted and Manila dive into King’s motivations for baring his story, the interplay of personal healing and professional expertise, and trauma’s broader societal impact. This candid, compassionate discussion promises to inspire and provoke thought, resonating with anyone affected by trauma’s echo.

Listeners on YouTube and Rumble can join the conversation by posting questions for Dr. King in the live chat, making this episode an interactive opportunity to engage with his insights and experiences. Tune in for a powerful exploration of resilience, survival, and the hope that comes from feeling seen and understood.

The post TMI Show Ep 128: “Unveiling Trauma’s Lasting Echoes with Dr. Neal King” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

My mom had an uncanny ability to size up current events and accurately predict their long-term effects. 50 years ago, I sat in my mom’s colonial dining room and watched the fall of Saigon on her black-and-white TV with two folds of aluminum foil dangling from the rabbit ears. America was not riding high. A year earlier, gas rationing went into effect and a president reelected in a record landslide resigned in disgrace.

As desperate Americans and South Vietnamese scrambled to evacuate, embassy staffers burned millions of dollars in cash to prevent it from falling into the hands of the victorious North Vietnamese. As landing decks on aircraft carriers in the South China Sea became overcrowded, UH-1 “Huey” helicopters, each worth at least $1 million in today’s dollars, were pushed into the ocean to make room for incoming aircraft. The estimated value of the military and other equipment left behind by retreating U.S. forces ranges between $1 billion and $4 billion, plus an additional $1 billion to $2 billion in corporate assets.

“The United States will never recover from this,” my mom said. “They’ll never learn anything from it, because they’ll never understand why it happened.”

Half a century later, she was clearly right. We lost but we didn’t learn.

The big lesson of the Vietnam catastrophe, one we haven’t begun to internalize, is that self-determination is a universal value. No one wants to be told what to do, much less exploited, by foreigners. There’s a corollary to that lesson: superior military and economic power cannot overcome the universal human desire to independently pursue one’s destiny.

“The enemy will win many battles, but in the end, we will win the war,” General Vo Nguyen Giap, commander-in-chief for North Vietnam, told a French interviewer in 1964. That’s what happened in 1975. And in 2011 in Iraq. And in 2021 in Afghanistan, where the $7 billion in abandoned war materiel and the falling bodies of our Afghan employees raining over Kabul created a perfect echo of the collapse of South Vietnam. Sooner rather than later, the same fate will befall Israel in Gaza.

Movies are a window into America’s political soul. American films about its invasion and occupation of South Vietnam depict a barely revised version of Kipling’s patriarchal “White Man’s Burden” with heavy dollops of confusion and self-pity. While “The Deer Hunter” (1978), “Apocalypse Now” (1979), “Platoon” (1986) and “Full Metal Jacket” (1987) all depict the brutalization of Vietnamese civilians by American troops, the primary effect of those narratives is to portray naïve young men corrupted by forces beyond their control and forced to cope with their physical wounds and psychological guilt in the aftermath. The Vietnamese play bit parts or none whatsoever, relegated to background scenery as their U.S. oppressors blow them to bits and struggle with PTSD—failing to make the ethnically correct decision to refuse to kill.

Americans weren’t victims in Vietnam. We were the bad guys. We lost 58,000 soldiers, who were sent to the other side of the earth to prop up a corrupt, unpopular regime against an enemy that posed no threat to us. Our troops killed 2 million Vietnamese. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington is slightly less than 500 feet long. An analogous structure dedicated to the Vietnamese would be more than three miles long.

We have never admitted that we had no business being there. “Rambo: First Blood Part II” (1985) marked the beginning of something even worse than mawkish self-pity, a string of right-wing negationist releases that attempted to retroactively justify the war as a noble patriotic cause—don’t feel guilty, be proud of your service to your country—followed by “Hamburger Hill” (1987), “We Were Soldiers” (2002) and similar imperialist whitewashing of the Iraq War in works like “Jarhead” (2005), “The Hurt Locker” (2008), and “American Sniper” (2014).

The second big lesson of Vietnam for a United States that continues to pursue international monetary, economic, political and military hegemony is that it’s cheaper to rent than to own. The United States currently has a $150 billion a year bilateral trade relationship with Vietnam and hundreds of thousands of Americans visit Vietnam every year as tourists. Business is good. There was no need to control their political system.

Finally, war is expensive. Eight million Vietnam war veterans require care for PTSD, exposure to Agent Orange and various psychological and physical injuries. Resources diverted to the Vietnam War contributed to the hollowing out of Rust Belt cities, declining schools and insufficient spending on infrastructure—problems we’re still dealing with, with no end in sight. The war cost approximately $1 trillion in 2025 dollars.

A crisis can be an opportunity. So can a defeat.
At the end of World War II, Indonesian nationalists waged a brutal war of independence against their colonial oppressors, the Netherlands. Forced to withdraw in 1949, the Dutch turned to their domestic needs. They prioritized postwar reconstruction and expanded the welfare state, funding affordable housing, pensions, and healthcare. Losing Indonesia was great for Holland. France performed a similar pivot after losing its war in Algeria in 1962; it decolonized most of its African possessions and invested in massive public works like high-speed rail. Belgium did the same thing after losing the Congo War in 1965, as did Portugal after 1974, when it lost to the liberation movements of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.

Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, we should learn from our fellow former colonial powers. Stop starting wars we’re bound to lose. Invest in ourselves.

(Ted Rall, the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, is the author of “What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems,” which will be published May 1st. He co-hosts the left-vs-right DMZ America podcast with fellow cartoonist Scott Stantis and The TMI Show with political analyst Manila Chan. Subscribe: tedrall.Substack.com.

The post 50 Years After the Fall of Saigon, Let’s Accept Defeat appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case where religious families in Montgomery County, Maryland, sought to opt their children out of public school lessons involving LGBTQ storybooks. The conservative majority seemed likely to favor the parents, prioritizing religious freedom and parental rights. Justices like Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh questioned the feasibility of denying opt outs, while liberal justices worried about broader impacts. Should parents be able to have their kids educated a la carte, choosing which lessons align with their beliefs? This debate highlights tensions between individual rights and standardized education, with a ruling expected soon.

The post A La Carte Education: Skip The LGBTQ Storybook Special appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

LIVE 10 am Eastern, Streaming After:

The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan confronts the spiraling Kashmir crisis, where a horrific attack has pushed India and Pakistan to the brink of war. Joined by VK Samhith, a visionary Indian game developer and astute cultural commentator who founded BornMonkie Studios, the hosts deliver a blistering analysis of whether the April 22, Pahalgam attack—killing 26 tourists—could ignite a fourth war between these nuclear-armed rivals. Ted Rall, who’s traveled to the region and chronicled its fraught history, offers unparalleled insight, while Manila Chan’s razor-sharp questions cut through the chaos.

The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front but denied by Pakistan, has triggered India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, border closures, and a crackdown arresting over 500 in Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated by closing airspace to Indian flights and suspending trade, while both sides have exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control for days, raising fears of escalation. The UN and US urge restraint, but India’s vow to hunt the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth” looms large. Could this be the spark for a nuclear nightmare? TMI fearlessly dissects the stakes, blending hard-hitting facts with the raw, unfiltered edge that defines the show. This isn’t just news—it’s a pulse-pounding dive into war, power, and survival in a global flashpoint. Tune in for expert perspectives and a conversation that dares to challenge the mainstream narrative. Catch this urgent episode now on your favorite platform and join the dialogue that matters.

The post TMI Show Ep 127: “Kashmir on the Brink: Will Nuclear Rivals Clash Again?” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

LIVE 1:30 PM Eastern Time/10:30 AM Pacific time + Streaming When You Feel It:

In this fast-moving episode of DeProgram, hosts John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer turned whistleblower who exposed the agency’s torture program, and Ted Rall, an award-winning political cartoonist and columnist renowned for his biting anti-establishment commentary, deliver a hard-hitting analysis of today’s most pressing issues.

The episode kicks off with an in-depth look at the high-stakes Rome meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, unpacking its ramifications for U.S.-Ukraine relations amid the ongoing Russia conflict. The hosts then turn to U.S.-Iran negotiations, offering sharp insights into the intricate dance of diplomacy and power shaping the Middle East.

On the domestic front, Kiriakou and Rall dive into the latest polls, dissecting public sentiment toward Elon Musk’s outsized influence and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s political ascent, revealing how these figures are redefining America’s political landscape. The episode also confronts the deeply polarizing issue of deporting U.S.-citizen babies, exploring its legal, ethical, and humanitarian consequences with unflinching clarity.

With Kiriakou’s insider perspective on intelligence and Rall’s razor-sharp cultural critiques, the duo dismantles mainstream narratives, exposing the systems driving these global and domestic developments. This episode of DeProgram blends wit, wisdom, and anti-imperialist fervor to connect the dots between geopolitics and power struggles at home. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the world beyond the headlines. Tune in and get deprogrammed!

The post DeProgram: “Trump, Zelensky, and Deported Dreams: Unmasking Power Plays” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

“What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems” by Ted Rall comes out Thursday, May 1st. Your local bookstore can pre-order using this ISBN: 979-8-9986622-0-1 #socialism #left #radicalleft #communism #manifesto

The post New Book Out May 1st: “What’s Left” by Ted Rall appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time + Streaming On Demand:

Join Ted Rall and Manila Chan on “The TMI Show” for a riveting episode featuring Jeff Dornik, CEO of Pickax, dissecting threats to free speech in tech. This urgent discussion unravels the forces reshaping digital discourse, delivering sharp insights for defenders of open dialogue.

Dornik’s expertise exposes how tech giants and regulations suffocate expression.

The episode ties to breaking news, analyzing the Pentagon’s controversial replacement of mainstream media with pro-Trump outlets in its press corps, sparking debates over media access and bias.

Further, they address X’s new content moderation policies under fire for allegedly throttling dissenting voices, as reported in tech blogs.
The episode examines a leaked memo from a leading social media platform, reportedly Meta, outlining plans to shadowban content labeled “divisive” by its algorithms. Exposed by tech whistleblowers and detailed in outlets like TechCrunch, the memo revealed intentions to suppress posts on polarizing topics like immigration and election integrity, sparking accusations of censorship and fueling distrust among users.

With the tech world reeling from a former Disney employee’s hack exposing safety system flaws, the stakes for digital freedom soar. Expect a rigorous, unfiltered exchange that challenges norms and arms viewers with insights to navigate this crisis. Rall and Chan’s incisive hosting blends intellectual rigor with pressing relevance, making this episode essential for anyone committed to safeguarding free speech. Don’t miss this compelling call to action—watch now and engage in the fight for open discourse!

The post TMI Show Ep 126: “Free Speech Under Attack” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Stocks, bonds, Treasury notes, and the US dollar falling together, a rare event, unsettle investors, driven by tariffs under President Trump. These tariffs fueled economic uncertainty, sparking selloffs in US assets. Stocks dropped from expected profit declines, bonds fell as yields hit 4.5 percent, Treasury notes faltered amid inflation fears, and the dollar weakened against major currencies. Safe havens, like gold or German bunds, gained favor. With diversification less effective, reliable refuges dwindle. Investors navigate a volatile market, where cash, despite low returns, offers stability. This turbulent environment demands caution, as traditional safe havens shrink rapidly.

The post Stocks, Bonds, T-Notes and Dollar Dive as Safe Havens Dwindle appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.