Chris Hedges on his latest book, America: The Farewell Tour

Chris Hedges, who writes a regular column for truthdig and was a foreign correspondent for The New York Times for nearly two decades, seeks to jolt us out of our complacency about the current state of affairs, while we still have time. In conversation with Chris Lydon, producer & presenter of WBUR’s “Open Source”, Hedges discusses his latest book, America: The Farewell Tour.
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[@rickbishop5987]

As far as I am concerned, we have two corporate/elite political parties that make platitudes to the different biases.

[@richardscathouse]

Only one party! With two fake wings.

[@ArizonaWillful]

Yeah, but do NOT equate them. As a gay man, I know intimately that there is a HUGE difference between the intolerant right wing bigoted GOP and the semi-liberal Democrats. They may be similar on economic issues/supporting the elite, but they could not be more different on social issues that face minority groups in the USA.

[@rickbishop5987]

You are, of course correct. I am however disgusted with the mock democracy and the constraints on who or what we can vote for. I would call them pretend liberals.

[@JaIch9999]

@@ArizonaWillful They are playing good cop bad cop.....

[@workinprogress1822]

Yes... but "Don't forget to vote!"

[@amakinati8393]

44:30 I teared up a bit. I'm black and live in South Africa, but I feel bad for those people in little town America, Chris Hedges summed up their despair in those words.

[@p1b1harper]

Do you feel bad for whites in SA?

[@DJosAmmel]

Colonial Virgina (before the U.S. existed) codified whiteness for the 1st time in human history. It punished poor / indentured whites for helping rebelling Black slaves. Race exists to keep us divided so that we never unite against ruling elite.

[@befreeurloved8553]

“I knew I would never be rewarded for virtue”....powerful that touched me bc I can relate. Love this guy more and more every time I hear him speak

[@socratesagain7822]

Agree. Tons of wisdom in that Hedges' quote. Breaking out of the "just world hypothesis" which frames every single Hollywood movie and TV series (not to mention organized religion) becomes very difficult after a lifetime immersed in this mental universe. But it is not impossible to escape. The fact that Chomsky, Malcolm, Jamal, Hedges, Wright, DuBois, Parenti, _et al_, have succeeded demonstrates people can--much like the character in the Flammarion engraving. Be well.

[@deborahwalker7406]

yeah he's great unless you're a raped 10 year old in need of an abortion in a red state.

[@dinezthompson9832]

I remember when President Jimmy Carter was mocked after his speech on America's malaise.

[@NikoHL]

Don't know that speech.. Is there a link? Will check it out..

[@zeezee1851]

Thank you so much for calling out people who call themselves journalists. They are entertainers. Period.

[@stephenhardy312]

Well said. Stephen, Macclesfield, UK

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

Even their contracts have to state ENTERTAINMENT because they are not news.

[@jamespeck276]

But who in the hell finds what they doing entertaining? I find them boring, obnoxious and a total waste of time. If you think they are entertaining, then I am sorry, you have been brainwashed. It happens.

[@toothbrush5190]

Not period. Most are CIA operatives!

[@AaronB99999]

There aren’t enough journalists left in this country to fill a VW bug. Just narrative minders and stenographers to power.

[@lynnebarnes6849]

When the people are scared of the leaders, that, is tyranny, when the leaders are scared of the people, that is liberty. B Franklin.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

An upright leader has no reason to be afraid of the people. It's almost like he was talking about rulers. And a healthy Society has no rulers.

[@johntao6822]

@@legalfictionnaturalfact3969 so, by your judgment, Ben Franklin. is full of sh*t, huh? Not by mine

[@faithalessandri1879]

Love that

[@prgille]

@Sparky Runner Benjamin Franklin was driven by the necessity of his times, just as we must be "guided" by the necessities of our times, holding on to that which is good and utterly rejecting that which is not in our individual and community-collective interests.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

thanks for that quote, hope many read it.

[@IMP3TIGO]

Chris Hedges is so awesome. Such integrity and courage, as well as intelligence and compassion. What a real hero and patriot.

[@grannygotcha9809]

Close to the only one.. Ralph Nadar ?

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Integrity? Not at all;( Compassion? I’ve rarely heard someone so filled with hate! He only sounds “intelligent”

[@greengirl-kr1vf]

@@JeepCherokeeful ABSOLUTE integrity

[@joeymurdazalotmore6355]

@@grannygotcha9809 noam chomsky is good. But modern day there is only one Chris hedges. Cannot b replaced.

[@bobtaylor170]

It is revolting in its blasphemy that Hedges calls same sex marriage a Sacrament. Does he not understand that he will be required to give an account for such twisting of truth?

[@mkkrupp2462]

Thank God (and his parents) for Chris Hedges. A good compassionate man and a true intellectual.

[@jeffbisscrx]

That Chris, Noam and those like them are not seen more in on-screen policy discussions, such as those on panels on cable news programs, prove that the media is not liberal, but corporate.

[@kwakkers68]

The media: corporate, or liberal: As with any ideological/political labels - the key is to maintain focus on the model in question, or proposed, rather than assessing any given entity on rhetoric, or 'claimed' affiliation. An example of the need for this rigidity: both DC and Moscow claimed the USSR was 'Socialist', albeit for very different reasons. Generally, the term 'liberal' isn't helpful. Do we mean socially liberal, economically liberal...? This may well be one area where it is better to adopt European frames of reference, as many of the pertinent thinkers were European, and maintaining an anchor in original thought is perhaps the best way of overcoming the muddying of ideological waters seen in the USA - which incidentally, had not been coincidental (consider the Neo-Liberal onslaught against Higher Education, the commercialisation of Education, the content included in courses etc. All of which is designed to not only provide profit, blighting generations with chronic debt along the way (one means of control), but to provide ways of controlling thought - narrative, over empirical, accepted envelopes, over free range etc.

[@claudiasutton8240]

Chris is far to educated to hang out with the Corporate media. He comes from morality and truth. The B.S. and lies are fear based keeing the Sheeple from uniting, and outing these fraud politicians. Wake up U.S.

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

EXACTLY Jeff Biss - the media is part of the corporatist system. Unfortunately I don't see it changing any time soon, if ever. SAD.

[@solid1378]

That has been a long conclusion. Want real news not controlled by Corporate Overlords, check out Professor Wolff, Jimmy Dore, Max Blumenthal, In The Now, Democracy Now, TYT, The Intercept, Now This News, The Real News Network, DW, etc.

[@sherryburrows882]

@@solid1378 Good ones, some I've never heard of but will check out. I also check on Al Jazeera English, Guardian UK, Reuters, and local papers in places like India, Australia, and Canadian cities. I don't know how honest they are about their local news, but they are much better about ours then our "news."

[@danmpearce]

How sad to see such a tiny audience for such a great speaker...

[@robertahubert9155]

I was thinking the same thing. Why is he not speaking at a University to the thinkers and future of this country?

[@ttrons2]

I think it is because people do not want to think about this because they feel it is hopeless.

[@vladimir0700]

@Tom Martin. No, it’s because we live in a totally dumbed down amerika

[@eisvogel8099]

Maybe the most know the truth but don't want to hear it.

[@billwolfe6638]

It is remarkable evidence of how deep in denial are Democrats and liberal intellectuals. Cambridge, a liberal and heavily Democratic town, is arguably the intellectual capitol of the US. Hedges attended Harvard Divinity School. Yet the NPR affiliate can only convince 30 people to show up for one of the intellectual giants in the US? Pathetic.

[@gmaureen]

1:18:04 "If voting made any difference they wouldn't let us do it" - Mark Twain

[@CulinarySpy]

Fake quote of course. Twain actually said “In this country we have one great privilege which they don’t have in other countries. When a thing gets to be absolutely unbearable the people can rise up and throw it off. That’s the finest asset we’ve got - the ballot box.”

[@Mrgruntastic]

The actual quote is by the American anarchist, Emma Goldman. “If voting changed anything they’d make it illegal”

[@insiderich7372]

@@CulinarySpy He never realized (perhaps because it did not apply to his time) that when your options on the ballot box are pretty much the same (Biden vs Trump at this particular moment), the ballot box can do nothing to save 'the people'.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

My favorite quote and i put it on one of my tee shirt in hopes that it will awaken some.

[@constancewalsh3646]

Wow.

[@gedankenexplosion5690]

As he was passionately talking about his students in Jail, those hard bitter biographies, full of injustice, couldn't help it, tears run down my face. That this kind of stories happen in the land of the free.....

[@thabigspoon3216]

"The message sent by the state is clear: It does not fear criminals. It fears rebels." Read the book.

[@mountaindweller777]

This is heartbreaking.

[@paddydunne774]

Forgive me. I’m being a bit thick. Do you mean this one. I love that quote. I’m reeling from the essence of what your man is saying🍀

[@timothygoosby6942]

They are the rebels as well as criminals

[@anniesue4456]

... unfortunately it is starting to look that way

[@szymborska]

It's incredible how many new talks/interviews are coming out almost daily. He's really getting around! Great job, glad to see so many organizations and channels supporting his new book.

[@dannymandebo9507]

szymborska yeah - he's quite the (hypocritical) capitalist selling all those books ...

[@scottlawder1269]

what is he supposed to do, give them away? I don't see him trying to corner the market and force other competitors out to become a monopoly. Nor do I see him exploiting prison workers for profit or trying to get rid of pre-existing conditions for sick people.

[@anti-skub2164]

@@dannymandebo9507 such a foolish and tired argument

[@dannymandebo9507]

J H once again a far left tool who tells me I am wrong but not HOW I am wrong. When was it better? Answer!!!!

[@anti-skub2164]

@@dannymandebo9507 What a demanding child you are. You could do with nap, so I'll tell you a story. In a magical world beyond our own, there is a garden of talking flowers. Bob, a tulip, notices one day that the sun is not as bright and everyone is getting hungry. "Maybe it's the shadow of the giant statue" he thinks, remembering that King Dandelion recently built a massive statue of himself to loom over the garden. Bon went out to and started to tell everyone this statue was making them starve. However, the flowers accosted Bob for standing tall and blocking their sunlight. They decried him for doing the same thing, albeit on a much smaller scale, as the statue. Bob was confused. He tried many other ways to spread the message, he held free talks, he posted videos of his talks online. But still, other flowers noticed that he too cast a very small shadow - he had too, everyone did, living on Earth after all. "We all cast shadows sometimes," Bob said "but clearly this giant statue casts one and gives us little in return. My issue is not shadows, but rationally discussing when and how we should allow them to be cast" But still, assholes in the garden called Bob a hypocrite. And eventually they all died from lack or sunlight, cursing Bob the whole time.

[@johnnydevault7838]

Every time I listen to this man, I get very emotional! A true American hero, Chris Hedges.

[@PK-re3lu]

Agree. Why are there not more like him!?

[@peterm1240]

@@PK-re3lu Why should there be?

[@alin81-82]

For years I believed we are in this societys end/end of an Empire. Then, I discovered Chris Hedges & he confirmed what I've been feeling. Good man & good insight.

[@jamberry8026]

Uh huh... Same here

[@desertportal353]

Hedges is good. This may be his best in many months. Felt his message so deeply @ 50:11 - for all of us "witnesses" today. Thank you Chris. Thank you very much.

[@lindacianchetti3599]

Art Studio Starbucks???!!! Lord. The irony.

[@LawFirm1970]

Hedges is excellent

[@jstaversky]

I've listened to many, many, Chris Hedges talks, and this is the one that pulls everything together.

[@MS-in3sl]

Chris Hedges is slowly but surely taking it to the next step.

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

@@MS-in3sl He's trying to compensate for the antagonist of an interviewer.

[@KilgoreTroutAsf]

94% of the incarcerated people never had a trial Let that sink in

[@STScott-qo4pw]

what? wtf? please explain. rsvp in YT. Thanks...

[@reprogrammingmind]

K, now what?

[@justicewalking]

@@STScott-qo4pw because they all took the plea deal. Very few cases actually go to trial and often the accused will be convinced into taking the plea deal, even when they are absolutely innocent, by their very low level legal aide that is appointed to them because they can't afford a lawyer. Many people will plead guilty to something they didn't do and spend 5 years in prison because the high risk of losing a trial and getting 25 years.

[@AudioPervert1]

The clarity with which Chris Hedges exposes and explains the situation, is simply amazing and inspiring ! Bravo and thanks !!

[@brianjacobsen5762]

Hedges is telling the truth. Everything about the Corporate incarceration complex is true. I've seen it myself. After being released in 2012. Institution 6 months before release .They State or Corp who knows by now. We're removing all arts musical instruments 95 percent of the library which left 600. Plus inmates with about 200. Shitty paperback books per unit. Which were paid for for years. Can't imagine what it's like now. 28 32 bucks month I was paid to work in the kitchen. So you want work out in the weight room.? 5.00 please. Payable to the state. Your 28 is now 23. So on so forth. It's an insane money sucking system. That has nothing to do with justice. Safety or reforming offenders.

[@ursulaplatt5000]

He just seems to enjoy the hell of it all too much. He's a bit of a fantacist.

[@ursulaplatt5000]

The prison system is where you put unskilled, undesirable pop. Chinese workers not fat Americans without geds

[@kingtrance6826]

@ Ursula Rue B Go away Russian Troll.

[@krunkle5136]

@Kathryn Foster-martin it's as if public executions were a thing again people will come out of the woodwork to cheer. Criminals aren't human anymore, including the ones that go back to society.

[@supercool1238]

Slave camps

[@hjander]

Time is now more precious than ever, I intend to spend it wisely.

[@reprogrammingmind]

No such thing as wise spending. Invest it wisely.

[@punkypinko2965]

Of course Pinker's book is Bill Gate's favorite: it helps ease his guilty conscience.

[@rhonda6791]

If I haven’t already read the book, I will read every book you mention. It makes me cry, it fills my heart, it is humanity. Thank you Chris Hedges.

[@johnpaul5474]

I listened to the podcast yesterday, then found the video this morning and watched. Very interesting and informative and serious in the best possible ways. Chris Hedges is an amazing man with an incredible heart and mind; few people, in my opinion, can match his comprehensive analysis of these terrible times in which we're living. Thanks to all involved. (Note to Chris Lydon: Alas, Bovi's, in East Providence, is no more. The jazz is gone, the old building has been razed.)

[@CrrzyFox]

Which podcast fellow human. Would love to subscribe to the podcast

[@johnpaul5474]

+CrzyFox It was the podcast version of the video; same conversation, no video. Lydon has a regular podcast, always very interesting, with highly intelligent guests. I don't have access to it right now. GOOGLE "Christopher Lydon" and see what you find.

[@johnpaul5474]

+CrzyFox It's called "Open Source." Excellent guests, excellent host, the best.🎃

[@sjr7822]

Considering his work of 20 years, it is amazing Chris Hedges is alive to tell a story. I don't share all of his views, but, I am gaining insight from watching his videos. Just an amazing human being

[@STScott-qo4pw]

i wonder he's alive, too, but it's more someone in the US hasn't bumped him off yet.

[@shipaskof8371]

One could add AA and other deceptions in the 12 step industry to the list along with magic jesus

[@tabo01]

The rules know lethargy is a goal.

[@newstart49]

Someone told me jokingly; "Exactly why aliens and Sasquatch refuse to become part of our society." I jokingly agreed!

[@RalphDratman]

"While we still have time"? According to Chris Hedges, I thought it was clear that we are out of time. Everything is shutting down. What can we possibly have time for now?

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

Continue speaking truth to power Chris Hedges, it's the right thing to do. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@edwardb7811]

A man of great erudition.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

For all of us.

[@MadderMel]

Chris , you are Legend !! Every decent human on planet earth should be very proud of you !

[@dannymandebo9507]

Melvyn Gingell ahh the moral superiority of the far left ...

[@dannymandebo9507]

James Registe idiot I rail against the left and right - both are simple minded fools (like you, goat lover) who view every complex issue in black and white.

[@mkkrupp2462]

Yes, it’s called dichotomous thinking. And it’s ruining public discourse all around the world.

[@ardenritchie5722]

Hedges is not a legend. Andrew Carnegie was a legend. Do not be so obtuse and read some history. Chris Hedges is a cynic.

[@johntao6822]

@@ardenritchie5722 Carnegie was a heartless exploiter. Hedges is a legend with heart. You're the cynic

[@s.solomon6534]

Geez, this interviewer is so shortsighted and, to a degree, in denial. He just doesn't get it. Chris is a national treasure, truly.

[@alexgoslar4057]

Yes, we are lonely Chris Hedges, because no one knows what we are talking bout.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

Not enough, anyway.

[@rdpatterson2682]

SOCIAL REVOLUTION not Technology innovation. The truth!

[@aldeigagnon8840]

the real free entreprise

[@thebrocialist8300]

All tech innovations are oriented toward the hegemonic system of capitalist consumption and exploitation. They offer no solutions beyond (possibly) producing tools for sabotage.

[@christinaamendola4851]

@@thebrocialist8300 ? IT CAN BE USED FOR GOOD, LET'S FIND IT!

[@arleentorres4690]

Chris Hedges brought me to tears. So powerful.

[@alexgeronimo8331]

con men like Chris will alway do that to the weak ):

[@CyberspacedLoner]

@@alexgeronimo8331 Trump is the con man

[@jetblack8250]

@@alexgeronimo8331 If that makes him weak then you are an insect.

[@chioma3100]

Years ago he brought me awareness with the sacrifice zones and more recently to activism. We must rest when we are dead; no time now.

[@christinaamendola4851]

@@alexgeronimo8331 2 YRS LATER WHERE ARE YOU ONE THIS???

[@dlim5687]

1:14:00... such a powerful moment... deep inspiration, I gained a lot of respect for Chris Hedges

[@rhonda6791]

My goal... read all the books Chris refers to. Rather than being depressed listening to Mr Hedge’s, I’m comforted because I see humanity. The humanity in literature, the humanity in the men he teaches. If we don’t find that glimmer of humanity we cannot go on. I’m reminded of it here.

[@SeanDDaily]

"I knew I would never be rewarded for virtue."

[@Ghost_Electricity]

Stephen Pinker is a joke and a pseudo-intellectual. Glad he gets called out here.

[@joqqy8497]

I agree.

[@pakalupapito1528]

hey could tell me where in this video they speak about Pinker? i cant find that part! thank you.

[@mikecar52]

@@pakalupapito1528 Why not watch it and listen , you will soon know.

[@MrPiccolop]

yeah, along with Guys like Jordan Peterson which god knows why all these guys latch onto like theres no tomorrow....

[@martinirving3824]

@@mikecar52 , Yeah, Steve Pinker is drawn to good news the way Chris Hedges is drawn to bad news. Guess who gets far more media exposure. I'm interested in nutrition science. This has also effectively been corporatized over the course of the 20th century and is not trustworthy. There is a political push for vegetarian and veganism in the interests of health and "sustainability" that is not based on fact or science. (even Hedges has bought into this disinformation and propaganda). Anyone who promotes a plant-based diet enjoys far more media exposure. Michael Pollan, who wrote In Defense of Food has said, "Eat real food. Mostly Plants. Not too much." He is hailed as an authority of some type in mainstream sources. Gary Taubes, who wrote Good Calories, Bad Calories has also concluded, eat real food. But he would advocate an animal-based diet for most people. Taubes doesn't enjoy the same media profile (is often dismissed as a mere journalist, which is all Pollan is), even though he is more qualified than Pollan to talk on the subject of science as it would relate to nutrition.

[@cambriawellness3102]

Use grants to buy land and form off-grid communities. Perhaps use hydrogen fuel cells, salt-silicone batteries perhaps. Include Natropaths, herbalists, energy workers, plumbers, mechanics, teachers, farmers, leaders, sewers, musicians...

[@BeckyAnnHill]

Where does one go to find a community to start learning how to build this? This sounds amazing.

[@sylviewalker7560]

Cohousing community are forming all over the country and world.

[@brianbeeler1715]

Credit to WGBH and Christopher Lydon for bringing us this excellent interview. Been a viewer since they showed Monty Python's Flying Circus unedited and a listener since Robert J. Lurtsema played bird songs every morning on Morning Pro Musica. One of the great institutions of Boston.

[@vladimir0700]

How ironic that those who deserve prison the most-trump and many others in government-will never spend a single day there

[@eave01]

I dunno...I could see him getting time

[@hazelatkinson4882]

True

[@rosssmith6775]

Unfortunately most of the population get all their information from the mainstream media and that's it unfortunately that media is owned buy a small very powerful and nefarious group of people and you obviously have no idea

[@eave01]

@@rosssmith6775 oh...but I do. Sadly all of our country has been hijacked by billion dollar companies and both the right media and left media are are completely owned.

[@BiggestRedditor]

Hahaha lol. What did he do illegal again? I forgot. Refresh my memory.

[@umarslatif]

Mesmerizing.... Chris Hedges brilliant beyond words.

[@STScott-qo4pw]

very very impressive mind. excellent speaker.

[@netrubbish]

I feel very touched hearing Chris's story about his father & how he sacrified his career for upholding the truth. That is what I call SELF INTEGRITY AND FAITH. Many people will sell themselves for money and safety. NOT THIS MAN 👍👍👍

[@ranter7100]

Next time one of your friends tells you "be positive" Send them here. Chris has a ability to cut straight to what's needed to be said, it's who he is, There are so many people I know, that need a dose of this big time.

[@tommot7755]

"I hate this fast growing tendency to chain men to machines in big factories and deprive them of all joy in their efforts - the plan will lead to cheap men and cheap products." Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883)

[@georgerasmutin699]

From book?

[@carlwessels2671]

@JRGJRG But he was telling the truth.

[@abram730]

America:The farewell Tour? Sounds about right.

[@AxmedBahjad]

Chris Hedges is saying: "There are challenges. They are here... And we can change when we do the following. In reality, he's offering creative solutions to the world challenges"

[@nancyk7954]

Hedges is truly amazing. I never tire of him. Truly good, brilliant, honest, and a gift to all of us who are free thinkers seeking deep and thoughtful insight by someone who is driven by his inner self and a willingness to share with those who are willing to hear and see. When I listen to Hedges I feel fearless in knowing and wanting to make the corporations and politicians fear me and those like me. We are growing. And I intend to make sure they see.

[@unfairadvantagefilms]

whoever the hell is interviewing chris is bananas

[@christinaamendola4851]

WELL NOT HALF AS CRAZY AS THE ONE IN THE WH!

[@eugenedebs9547]

Despair is the only rational response thank you Chris Hedges. False hope is no solution.

[@dannymandebo9507]

Michael Kelly yes, waste your short life away in despair. How absurd...

[@dannymandebo9507]

Matthew Singh-Dosanjh agreed!!! He is a tool.

[@dannymandebo9507]

James Registe your goat is calling you - back to the mud hut. Egypt ... Bahahaha!!

[@ally11488]

James Registe - Hitchens paved the way for the commodification internet 'intellectuals' trade on. Peterson, Shapiro, Harris, all financially benefit from credulity based on libertarian ideology.

[@donnagaffney6467]

you are wrong

[@stven8363]

"Praying to my Presbyterian God that no one would Google me" 😂 omg that's wild!

[@dalisabe62]

What a moving story of that prisoner who found freedom in resistance and lack of material comfort! I guess faith is the absolute alternative to the misery and bondage of materialism! It is interesting that Chris points out that not only thorough resistance one could find real freedom, but one could experience euphoria and real happiness! It is very motivating and encouraging. Thanks!

[@michelbouchoucha6824]

Mr. Hedges, finally the truth has a voice and a face. "God", Sir, made you out of the right stuff. Ye ye

[@lechat8736]

I truly ask myself what will happen to us and our children...

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

I think we are getting the idea.

[@helenbaxter5270]

I know. I never dreamed that we would be in a pandemic and see our world the way it is now.

[@amyshoemaker5770]

Le chat.....Vanish!!!!

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

That depends on where you choose to spend your future.

[@rastamike8063]

I love and give thanks to Hedges. I agree with him on almost everything and he teaches me many many things. And even I, as a very positive Rastafarian, agree with his view on a collective positivity. Being positive is, in the midst of understanding the terror that is our lives, knowing that it will probably destroy us and everyone we love, choosing to be happy and treat others with kindness anyway. At the same time knowing, understanding, and willing to display a righteous vengeance against those who are killing us. Knowing that, we smile as we are being tortured because the very act of that torture proves us right in everything we say and, some day, the world will see it and, just maybe, but probably not, learn from it. One Love ✌🏼 Rastafari❤💛💚

[@gabhanachdenogla898]

Is that a Starbucks cup of coffee? The power of corporations indeed!

[@vivaelpepe4878]

Chris Hedges is one of the few people who give me goosebumps while I listen,if more Christians were like him I would consider becoming one myself,even though I’m an atheist.

[@B.Precision]

We're going through a new Dark age; yet Chris Hedges remains a true Renaissance man.

[@urgencepc4563]

Ah yes, the renaissance where "the small number makes the large number work" ... a bit like... business as usual?

[@edbavoso7679]

AS A WHITE MALE 60 YEARS OLD...I NEVER FELT SO ALONE AS LIVING IN AMERICA

[@matosmond4519]

Of the great talks and books I've encountered by Chris so far, this jumps to the top as the one I'm now passing onto friends first saying 'Watch this - watch all of it'. Tears, resolve.

[@gamingandtech8710]

This is one of the most refreshing, unique, and important conversations/videos I've seen in a long time. Chris Hedges is one of (if not my absolute) favorite free-thinkers today. This topic he's talking about (corporate created culture of despair) is a topic HUGELY under-discussed.

[@sicnarf423]

Why do you have a 'favorite' thinker?

[@kev_cub2740]

This guy is so good- I hope he isn’t “disappeared”....

[@mE-zx7pt]

He has been disappeared from most of the mainstream news media.

[@NikoHL]

Have just ordered "Footnotes in Palestine" also "Voltaire's Bastards' both recommended by Hedges. Hedges & Chomsky are my go-to authors to explain this morally bankrupt world.

[@willduchon]

It's unsettling to see Chris Hedges sipping a Starbuck's coffee.

[@arash4712]

Chris, I have only found you recently. I have been sleep. wasted life. The path ahead is clearer, my thoughts firmer, I feel empowered and the mosaic seems to take on a meaningful and purposeful shape. I salute you.

[@davorobradovic7287]

This man has informed me for more then a decade and has introduced me (skilled worker and a parent) to many authors from humanity's past and present that help me contextualize my own beliefs. Thank you Chris Hedges much love from Canada ! You've given me tools to make political decisions .

[@MultiSmartass1]

As Emily Dickinson write "hope is the thing with feather" Anerican culture is childishly and blindly optimistic.

[@nikkkis90]

One of the greatest lessons I have learned that if you are not completely honest about what the problem is, you can not ever solve that problem. I think that this is what Chris is trying to explain but is accused of being too negative or pessimistic instead of brave enough to not sugarcoat the truth.

[@AudioPervert1]

Hedges Rocks ! A person with resilience and truth. an inspiration...

[@garygrove6887]

Chris Hedges gets it. The left wing. The right wing. Different sides of the same vulture. The elite all crush individuals. I love the dismissal of Pinker. He's just another phony old hippie with a bad haircut.

[@pimwiersinga8822]

I like Pinker's haircut (and boots); but it does not matter one bit. I adhere somewhat to his -- very broad -- notions of progress, but his idea that all lives were brutish, nasty & short before the invention of the stock-market strikes me as nonsensical. You need explanations beyond mere stats; as well as a sense of the tragic.

[@Kid_Ikaris]

@@High_Valley beautifully put. These types put down the hopeful the way the miserable put down the joyful.

[@monicaangelini3324]

Wow, I found embarrassing and very close minded his dismissal. Didn't expect that, thought for a self-righteous-christian Mr. Hedges lacked humility. And this is my issue with him, I like his arguments, his historical and political perspective but the righteousness and morality is off putting...nonetheless I keep watching and reading him.

[@Kid_Ikaris]

@@monicaangelini3324 hmm I wonder about that too. He certainly seems dower, I wonder if he has a softer side at home. I find myself drawn to more pessimistic thinkers simply because many other public intellectuals just don't seem to acknowledge how bad some of the crisises we find ourselves in are. I'm thinking of the climate crisis and the monetary/economic crisis in particular.

[@mamamarianovits9029]

@@Kid_Ikaris The manufactured climate crisis... sure.

[@christophersmith2581]

Got done reading this book about a month ago and it was pretty good. Think I am gonna re-read it again pretty soon.

[@cocopuff9543]

I was a Case Manager in a State Prison. Inmates did work for various corporations and built furniture for the State. Also, there were chain gang work crew to maintain highways. Many inmates were in for non violent drug offenses. Poor people and People of Color had longer sentences for similar crimes. The rich rarely go to prison because they have the money to pay for adequate legal representation. The United States is amongst the few countries where a confession can land you into a guilty or plea bargain. Unfortunately, many times these folks are innocent, but after days of integration, they confess due to physical and mental exhaustion. I do believe violent criminals should be incarcerated. When I realized the corruption within the prison, courts, and sentencing, I changed careers.

[@buddyneher9359]

I thought Viktor Klemperer was in Dresden, been awhile since I read his diaries. Nice to hear Hedges mentioning them here - a real must-read: "I Will Bear Witness".

[@ernstraedecker6174]

Victor Klemperer lived indeed in Dresden. I've read his diaries 1918-1932 (Weimar period), 1933-1945 (Dritte Reich) , and 1945-1960 (DDR).

[@AmbientWisdom]

He has a lot of interesting points, a bit pessimistic but that's how many journalists view the world seeing as good news doesn't attract as much attention as the bad. His point of view from the perspective of a teacher in today's prison system is really eye opening. A lot of us forget that we have a prison system designed to make profit slaves as opposed to rehabilitation.

[@GalacticNovaOverlord]

I'd say Hedges is optimistic. The more you learn about history and the systems of the world and how much we keep screwing ourselves, the worse everything seems. The more people know this, the greater our chances are if we organize together to stop this.

[@007nadineL]

*CHRIS HEDGES IS MY GOD.* *ALSO FOLLOW JIMMY DORE ⚠* *BOOK: DIGNITY*

[@petesweet8504]

Jimmy introduced me to Chris!

[@jaydunstan1618]

Absolutely incredible truth when Mr Hedges speaks of his father. Truly inspirational. What a remarkable and strong man. A hero to us all.

[@melvinbrennaniii2355]

“It is much safer to celebrate civil liberties than to defend them, and it is much safer to defend them as a formal right than use them in a politically effective way. Even those who would most willingly subvert these liberties, usually do so in their very name. It is easier still to defend someone else’s right to have used them years ago than to have something yourself to say NOW and to say it now forcibly. The defense of civil liberties-even of their practice a decade ago-has become the major concern of many liberal and once leftward scholars. All of which is a safe way of diverting intellectual effort from the sphere of political reflection and demand.” - C. Wright Mills

[@paystar3436]

Hope sir will not prevail. Action may have a chance. Your action is needed.What is your solution ? Your history share is the future without your help.

[@sanjios]

This is how US military is "liberating" Middle East and "liberated" many countries around the world, bombing them to middle edges. Supporting dictatorships all around the world, and still does.

[@davidaskew2959]

Sincere and profound thanks to you Chris, for me a moment cathartic in a positive sense, affirmative but I've chosen to leave the "American" scene, I've always felt I'd live to see the fall, as one who was a proud American for one moment, it was 63, I was eight doing duck and cover. President Kennedy, when they killed him, it was the beginning of the end. Those who rule now are devouring the planet like the bones after the roast, I feel. We've got to save the planet, especially find a new way to treat our only hope , Water ! Everybody please read Masuru Emoto's Book !

[@geoffreynhill2833]

NB: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, quoted by Chris Lydon, was the German Lutheran pastor who stood up to Hitler, was imprisoned by the Gestapo and hanged shortly before liberation by the US Army.

[@geoffreynhill2833]

Tsk. These SJWs...

[@Artspeakcentral]

I absolutely LOVE Chris Hedges with all my heart = a real life intellectual and Saint of our Time 🙏

[@CrucialSpeaks]

PLEASE RUN FOR PRESIDENT CHRIS! WE NEED YOU, YOUR KNOWLEDGE. & INTEGRITY!!!!!!

[@aljam99]

Won't happen, Chris is not interested in power, he's learned the lessons of the past!

[@cr2lives]

Chris Hedges will not do that. He is working to function as a strong proponent within the liberal section of our society. And, per his accepted definition, that section of society is not meant to hold power, but to both critique and hold in check the power structures in the society.

[@connilady57]

He won't run. Im glad. We need an integral voice to help us navigate through th b.s.

[@AndyAnaya]

Interviewers' confusion and pushback over Chris' "negativity" (see: Realism) -- over and over and over again -- that repeated confusion is itself a symptom of retreat into psychological defense mechanisms like the magical thinking he warns about. Going about your day like everything is normal and nothing is wrong is the new thoughtcrime, sorry not sorry

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

This society now would prefer to live in ignorance than to live in rebellion. There is a reason that Hedges champions Albert Camus. You can hear Camus through him.

[@JEiowan]

Andy Anaya thank you Andy✨💖✨

[@MHiggins]

Andy Anaya This is not confusion. This is a debate and discussion. It’s very good. I enjoy it. The interviewer is just questioning Chris.

[@mikevidzdev]

@@MHiggins Like hes not supposed to question Chris, just accept what he says. Thats a very weak mentality. I agree with Chris' sentiment, but he always speaks vaguely. He speaks of society like many in the mainstream talk about climate change (another subject Chris is doom and gloom on). The diagnosis is too vague to be so negative. If he is going to be so matter of fact on his outlook he should provide more specifics not just narrative. Much will be bad in the future , but much will be good. Hes only providing the bad.

[@christinaamendola4851]

PERFECT, NOW TODAY MORE THAN EVAH!

[@pequodexpress]

Usually, I gloss over Hedges' talks and interviews because I know what to expect. This is not to disparage Hedges, whom I admire tremendously, just stating a thought. However, here he really does pull together the scope and depth of his insight and understanding, and, as others have commented, "takes things to the next level." This is a very refreshing and strangely inspirational talk for November 5, 2020.

[@stanleyching3141]

Every time I watch Chris Hedges speak, I am always one moving reference from his father away from crying.

[@scientifico]

This nothingness, this unnatural death of democracy is larger than party. It is a sickness of the soul of the culture. It's not "culture" in the classical definition of the word... Egyptian culture, roman culture... hell, even the culture of San Bushmen or the Inuit culture is closer to a true culture. As Hedges so perfectly states the culture of the west is based on commercialism, the money, the negotiation. Everything is for sale, land that isn't yours, air and even souls. How many do unspeakable things that go against their nature in order to live in this culture? 14:57 and hedges says it far better.

[@JEiowan]

Had to fast forward thru Chris Lydon....not an an aware man. An intellect but no wisdom. And still, I’m grateful for his hosting.

[@curzurithedreamer]

“Marriage is a sacrament. It’s not a reward for being a heterosexual. Any church that doesn’t honor the sacrament of marriage does not deserve to call itself Christian.” -Thomas Hedges ~1:13:40 Brilliant quote from Chris Hedges’s father, who was a pastor and LGBTQ rights ally/activist after he came back from WWII. Hedges goes on to say that his Dad’s spiritual posture really freed him from looking for acceptance from the accepted orthodoxy of most institutions. It’s also the first time I’ve seen Chris get choked-up. Thomas Hedges sounds like he was a very special person of courage, care, and vision-very much like his very special son, Chris.

[@tantzer6113]

Here is “Breaking Points,” Krystal & Saagar’s new show: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33UmGeKacikhMk

[@chrisb4419]

Love you, Mr Hedges. Thanks, man.

[@ltakliq]

Love chris hedges.... cant stand this other dude

[@charlotteschnook1351]

1:14:00 where Chris begins to talk about his dad sums up why I love him.

[@jaelancaster5506]

" we don't need leaders we need movents" ..Corp America knows this. They keep us so distracted, overwhelmed and exhausted grom working 2 and 3 jobs to survive that we can not devote effort outside of survival to ban together and fight ...the resistance and power is fierce and we are down beaten and exhausted ..and that is intentional I follow this brilliant man on every video he puts up and follow him on older lectures on The New School The idea and the reality that this Pulitzer journalist and author could be silenced is terrifying

[@elvoray]

Excellent talk. It is such a pleasure to hear real intellectuals speak on important issues. As a kid I remember watching debates between Gore Vidal and Bill Buckley, fascinating. Exposure to truth is uplifting and a warm light in a dismal world.

[@bafrika]

Will this guy ever find his glasses....

[@salmivec]

🤣🤣

[@judithmcdonald9001]

"Magic Jesus" I heard "Plastic Jesus" (sitting on the dashboard of my car), Almost broke out in song!!

[@charliethecockatoo2159]

"And we live in a period of relative stability. But with a financial crash, which is coming, it's gonna come I don't know when, but it's coming..." 2020, meet Chris Hedges. Chris Hedges, meet 2020.

[@jhall2281]

2022 here. And Chris' comments about the Ukraine are right on point.... We are watching the end of empire and expanding NATO into the Ukraine is symptomatic of such.

[@carrynunya8745]

It's weird. I am an atheist (never saw a reason to believe) and yet Chris Hedges is one of my favorite authors. He speaks uniquely to me. He has taugt me so much. Anyway, he looks exhausted. He has to take better care of himself. We are going to need him for a looooooooooooooooooong time. My best wishes. :)

[@TheBarrwen]

Dont continue with nihilism/atheism. Got to believe in somthing better to live.

[@hudson2441]

If reality doesn't exhaust you you're not paying attention.

[@digitalspecter]

@@TheBarrwen The problem is that you cannot choose what you believe. You're either convinced about something or you're not. I'm quite convinced that there are no gods.

[@timppatimo6287]

What a breath of fresh air! I'm moved to tearing up.

[@DaronJones]

50:35 "We didn't think that we were going to stop it... It becomes in the act of resistance that you find freedom, and not even freedom, more than freedom, you find euphoria!"

[@petercalma1714]

When the Constitution does not translate into the physical lives of the citizen that means the "laws" which were created that prevents the Constitution from reaching our lives are not Constitutional.