Play Stop pop out X

MP3 Link

This week on CounterSpin: Media are talking about the Panama Papers—the prodigious database leak from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, that specializes in shell companies popular with those looking to hide money from the law. But to the extent that they treat it as Shocking Transgressions of the Rich and Powerful, the press are missing the point. Mossack Fonseca is not a unique operation; there’s nothing special about Panama; and most of what’s going on is—if not “perfectly legal”—legal, anyway. We talk about using the Panama Papers to push for real change with investigative economist James Henry, author of The Blood Bankers: Tales from the Global Underground Economy.

Transcript: ‘A Global Industry Is Raiding Treasuries All Over the Planet’

Play Stop pop out X

MP3 Link

Also on the show: “No US apology for Hiroshima” was many media’s thumbnail of Secretary of State John Kerry’s recent visit to one of the Japanese cities—along with, of course, Nagasaki—where the US killed more than 200,000 people with atomic bombs dropped in 1945. The dominant Hiroshima “narrative”—lamentable but necessary, ultimately saved more than it killed—has remained remarkably unchanged, in good part because of US media’s defense and preservation of it. We discussed that narrative years ago with military and diplomatic historian Sanho Tree, now director of the Drug Policy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies.

Transcript: ‘The Japanese Were Already Defeated and Were Seeking Peace’

Play Stop pop out X

MP3 Link

First we take a quick look back at recent press, including Democracy Spring, North Carolina’s “Bathroom Law” and “responsibility” in the 2016 elections.

Play Stop pop out X

MP3 Link