PBS’ United States of Secrets is a stunning, must watch documentary covering the detailed history of the post 9/11 NSA mass surveillance program. The two part series lets state officials prop up the narrative that such spying is needed amidst a ‘War on Terror’, but juxtaposes their rhetoric with stories from NSA whistleblowers’ who were targeted for speaking out. Incidentally, … Read More
conflict of interest
Incarceration: a New American Pastime
Gallery
In 1984, a newly formed company Corrections Corporation of America acquired the United States’ very first corrections facility contract for the state of Tennessee. This was the first time in American history that a private, for-profit corporation would control and care for the nation’s incarcerated. Over the next 28 years, the power and reach of the privatized prison system consumed over … Read More
Swann: Media Neglects NDAA, Drug War & Executive Orders
Gallery
MEDIA ROOTS – Ben Swann, host and producer of WXIX’s Reality Check, has been offering viewers a look at news not typically covered by the contemporary corporate media establishment. Publicly aired three nights a week in Cincinnati, the news featurette has now received an online cult following for its raw reporting and fresh format. Previous segments have featured petrodollar warfare, … Read More
Big Oil is More Than Big Trouble for the Environment
Gallery
MEDIA ROOTS – The global petroleum industry has long been the antagonist for environmental and animal-rights advocates. But more recently, “Big Oil” has emerged as a literal threat to democracy for its vast political influence and ability to contrive wars for profit. A report released last month by the National Wildlife Federation exposed to what extent the oil industry, along with … Read More
Massachusetts Resolves to End Corporate Personhood
Gallery
MEDIA ROOTS – Massachusetts just became the seventh state in the nation to officially call for a repeal of Citizens United, the 2010 court case that recognized corporations as people and money as speech. That landmark ruling is the primary reason for the development of “super PACs” in the last two presidential elections. A super PAC is a political action … Read More