One hallmark of the Trump administration was a rise in visibility and his support of white nationalism.  Even before his insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, the year 2020 saw a record number of such attacks in the U.S.  Then last week, the Department of Homeland Security warned that "the United States faced a growing threat from 'violent domestic extremists' emboldened by the attack" on January 6th.  The former president pushed a false narrative of rioting people of color in American cities to win votes through fear mongering.  But while hate crime by white supremacists has increased nationally, a closer look at the facts on the ground has consistently revealed that large cities with highly diverse populations have actually seen a drop in such incidents.

California's Los Angeles County, for example, boasts over 10 million residents.  It also has one of the most diverse populations in the United States.  Yet over the last 20 years, hate crimes have actually dropped by nearly half.  2019 saw only 524 reported incidents.  This is a success story that needs to be told, including lessons that might apply in other communities across the country.

Today's guest, Marshall Wong has served as a Senior Human Relations Consultant with the L.A. County Human Relations Commission since 1999. He is the Commission’s Hate Crime Coordinator and the principal author of the agency’s annual Hate Crime Report. Marshall is a native of Los Angeles and also staffs a countywide coalition, the Network Against Hate Crime, and provides training for law enforcement and service providers.  In this interview he shares insights into what drives and reduces these crimes in our communities.

Watch on YouTube:  Marshall Wong

This week’s inauguration of President Joe Biden put climate change back on the U.S. agenda --  and none too soon!  History has shown that climate change has a direct impact on societies and even the rise and fall of civilizations.  In fact, most of the crises America has faced in the last year – a pandemic, economic implosion and massive civil unrest – can all be traced back in part to damage that global warming is already causing.

A couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to teach high school geography.  It’s not taught like it was when I was in school in the 1970’s.  Now we look at how history and society interact with our physical environment.  That year I came across the incredible work of today’s guest, Professor Brian Fagan, whose books on the effect of climate change has profoundly influenced the rise and fall of societies throughout history.  In this interview he shares his insights from these important works.

Fagan is professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara and an archaeological generalist, with expertise in the broad issues of human prehistory.  You’ll also get a preview of his new book, which is due out later this year.  It promises to be another masterpiece on past climate change and the implications for our future.

On today’s podcast, I will be discussing the events on January 6th with two previous guests: Teressa Raiford of Don’t Shoot Portland and Steve Pierson from Swing Left.  I asked both of these progressive leaders to join me to discuss what can be done in the days and weeks ahead and how, most importantly we can work together strategically to combat the real threat of fascism that now lies before us.

Those of us who believe in the ideal of an equitable America and the democratic process cannot allow ourselves to get lost in the storm.  There are some things that we can all support and take action on now.  We can write letters to congress supporting Trump’s removal and prosecution for sedition.  We can talk to our friends, family and neighbors urging them to do the same; and we can look support unity.  Unity among all progressive and democratic organizations in standing up together to oppose the tidal wave of white supremacy President Trump has leveraged to create a cult of supporters.  People have been convinced that his remaining in office – even as a dictator - is preferable to the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Kamala Harris.  Both of whom were duly elected by the majority of the people of the United States. 

Click HERE to sign Adam Schiff’s letter.

Watch this podcast on YouTube HERE.