In this conversation, Stephanie Gerber Wilson and Dr. Deborah Shushan explore the complexities of the Jewish American community's response to the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in light of recent events. They discuss the historical context, the impact of October 7th, and the divisions within the community regarding support for Israel and the Palestinian cause. The conversation delves into the narratives that shape identity, the role of education, and the generational differences in perspectives on Israel. They also touch on the political dynamics influencing the conflict and the broader implications for American democracy.

In this conversation, Rabbi Sandra Lawson discusses the intersection of Jewish identity, liberation theology, and social justice. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships across different communities, particularly between Jewish and Black communities, and the need for a more inclusive understanding of Jewish values in activism. The conversation also touches on the complexities of current Jewish identity, the impact of whiteness on Jewish experiences, and the necessity of having difficult conversations about race and identity within the Jewish community.

Takeaways

Judaism is fundamentally about liberation and empathy.

The Jewish community must engage with other marginalized groups.

Building relationships is key to solidarity and activism.

Multiple narratives exist within the Jewish experience.

Whiteness complicates Jewish identity and activism.

Difficult conversations about race are necessary for growth.

Activism should be grounded in Jewish values and teachings.

The younger generation seeks a more inclusive Jewish identity.

Understanding history is crucial for current social justice work.

Solidarity requires genuine relationships, not transactional interactions.

Titles

Exploring Jewish Identity with Rabbi Sandra Lawson

Judaism and Liberation: A Conversation with Rabbi Lawson

Sound bites

"Judaism is liberation theology."

"We must learn from each other."

"Whiteness has infiltrated Judaism."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Sandra Lawson

02:56 Judaism as Liberation Theology

08:18 Historical Narratives and Community Connections

14:57 Fractures and Alliances in Jewish and Black Communities

20:01 The Complexity of Multiple Truths

25:30 Building Relationships Across Differences

27:39 Local Action for Global Change

28:56 Navigating Overwhelm and Engagement

31:46 Cultural Cleavages in the Jewish Community

34:10 Creating Space for Diverse Conversations

37:46 The Role of Organizations in Modern Judaism

44:26 Whiteness and Identity in Judaism

Keywords

Judaism, Rabbi Sandra Lawson, Jewish community, liberation theology, civil rights, anti-Semitism, Black community, activism, social justice, identity

Summary

In this episode of Freedom Over Fascism Live, Dr. Stephanie Gerber Wilson interviews Treb Courie, the legal director of the Orders Project. They discuss the complexities of military law, the role of the Orders Project in assisting service members with legal issues, and the implications of international law on military operations. The conversation also covers the legal boundaries of orders given to service members, particularly in the context of domestic deployments and operations in the Caribbean. Courie emphasizes the importance of understanding the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the law of armed conflict, as well as the challenges faced by service members in navigating these legal landscapes.

Takeaways

The Orders Project assists service members with legal advice.

Service members must follow lawful orders unless manifestly unlawful.

The UCMJ governs military discipline and justice.

International law informs military operations but is complex.

Domestic deployments raise legal questions under the Posse Comitatus Act.

Service members are encouraged to seek legal advice for hypotheticals.

Military justice operates under a different system than civilian law.

The military can federalize National Guard troops under certain conditions.

Psychological operations are restricted against US citizens.

Confidentiality is maintained in attorney-client communications.

Titles

Navigating Military Law: The Orders Project Explained

Understanding Legal Boundaries for Service Members

Sound bites

“Remember your oath to the Constitution.”

“Orders must be manifestly unlawful to disobey.”

“We are not at war with a nation.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Freedom Over Fascism Live

03:43 Understanding the Orders Project

09:57 Navigating Legal Advice for Service Members

17:02 The Role of International Law

21:30 The Caribbean Operations and Legal Implications

25:19 Military Justice System Explained

34:07 National Guard and Federalization Issues

39:20 Dubious Orders and Legal Boundaries

In this episode of Freedom Over Fascism, Dr. Stephanie Gerber Wilson interviews Christopher Armitage, who discusses the concept of 'soft succession' as a means for states to combat federal overreach and preserve democracy. Armitage emphasizes the importance of anti-corruption measures, creating parallel social safety nets, and engaging in local politics to effectively resist fascism. He advocates for sustained activism and community involvement as essential strategies for change.

takeaways

• Soft succession is about empowering states to resist federal overreach.
• Anti-corruption efforts are crucial for restoring democracy.
• States can create parallel social safety nets to protect citizens.
• Engaging in local politics is vital for meaningful change.
• Activism should focus on small, sustained actions over time.
• Negotiating with the federal government can involve withholding tax revenue.
• Educating the public is the first step in activism.
• Building community and culture is essential for long-term resistance.
• Local elections are key to fighting back against fascism.
• A vision for a post-fascist future includes universal education and basic income.

titles

• Empowering States: A New Approach to Democracy
• Soft Succession: Resisting Federal Overreach

Sound Bites

• "We can't rely on the Department of Justice anymore."
• "We need to create parallel social safety nets."
• "We need to build a culture around activism."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Soft Secession and Its Importance

05:20Empowering States Against Federal Overreach

10:14Funding State Initiatives and Social Safety Nets

15:32Anti-Corruption Measures and Restoring Oversight

19:41Creating Collaborative State Solutions

23:18Engaging with State Leaders and Public Consensus

27:03Counterarguments and the Need for Bold Actions

29:26The Rise of Authoritarianism

33:28Strategies for Resistance

39:21Activism and Community Engagement

47:51Local Politics and Long-Term Change

49:45Envisioning a Post-Fascist Future