On this week’s episode of “On Contact,” Truthdig columnist Chris Hedges discusses with economist Mark Blyth the detrimental impacts of austerity programs in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis.

Blyth, a professor at Brown University and author of “Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea,” addresses the political effects of spending cuts and considers why elites will not take responsibility for the fallout.

RT correspondent Anya Parampil examines the impact that austerity measures have had on America’s working class and poor since 2008.

—Adapted from RT by Alexander Reed Kelly.