Urban Poverty in America Made Me Question Everything - Chris Hedges on Reality Asserts Itself (1/7)

Launching a new show "Reality Asserts Itself", Paul Jay interviews author, journalist and activist Chris Hedges about the formative experiences that shaped his world view
watch full episode: therealnews.com/t2/index.php?o...

[@carolwagner-sudol3792]

Chris Hedges is a national treasure. We Americans are lucky to have him

[@missshannon9790]

Never hearda him

[@dorothyn.7500]

@@missshannon9790 That's because TPTB don't want the rest of us having any treasure, or thinking/learning about how they gained so much of theirs, lol, typically much of these previously unheard-of billions at the expense of others - underpaid/over-worked workers in unsafe conditions, redirected/drained from public funding, the stripping of rights/protections from the public via purchased politicians for maximized 'cost-cutting' pollution/profiteering, warmongering for MIC-investment pay-offs and resource theft from the dispossessed/murdered/maimed citizens of other countries, etc.. Now, you have more opportunity to enrich your perceptions - the ones TPTB want to 'manage' and control - by recognizing Hedges as an important voice that we can all gain information and broadened horizons from. The more we understand of the basic principles/mechanisms of any system - of anything - the less easily we can be misled.

[@missshannon9790]

@@dorothyn.7500 well can you just sum up what he be talkin about in a nutshell for those of us who clicked off the video out of boredom? Love your acronym. Tptb

[@batgirlp5561]

Well we never hear from him so

[@nevadataylor]

I just wish Americans would actually listen to what he says more.

[@gordsnieder4046]

Chris Hedges is a prophetic voice in America, and he is totally ignored by the MSM.

[@MrBobconner1952]

Ignored and maybe even prevented him from writing reality for some time.

[@johnshaw8228]

+Bob Conner I do not claim to be an authority. However I will say this. If mainstream media are ignoring Chris hedges it means he has something to say and it is not in their best interests for that information to be sent out to the public especially through Mass dissemination repeatedly. I have listened to him on two or three or four videos. he seems to know what he is talking about and mainly that is the only kind of speaker you want to listen to. Or you can listen to other people rattle on about subjects of which they are mainly ignorant and that listen to Chris Hedges and you can hear the difference. he's on a level with no one Chomsky.

[@michaellariviere5065]

Everyone that doesn't follow main stream media philosophy and propaganda is either blocked or ignored by the MSM. Facebook just removed my account for trying to expose government and corporate corruption.

[@GoryYogi]

So many delusional thoughts in America, he fights with his inner being to get out of his entrapment...

[@michaellariviere5065]

​@Mark Hollingsworth: We need to severely curtail the CIA and the NSA for starters.​

[@azzym312]

Regards and Love from Pakistan. You are my hero Chris hedges.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

whatever anyone says about hedges, he's honest, humane, a thinker who can think well. i'm glad he's here and i'd be even happier if he spoke publicly and more frequently.

[@cobbycoolette]

Sure beats listening to Brian Williams and the rest of those overpaid Corporate News hacks, Billionaire mouth pieces. Star wanna Be. 50% corporate advertising or more. Talking more about the British Royals than issues affecting the great decling American middle class and the army of American working poor.

[@jamescarrington9320]

Privileged & comfortable, it is surprising he is still so honest.

[@Anna-tj7mp]

@@jamescarrington9320 it is not bad to want security and wellbeing for others as well.

[@jamescreek1319]

scriptorsilentum he has a pretty high speaker fee I’m sure. He doesn’t speak for free

[@NavidKhan84]

The only ppl who says I’ll of him r the establishment hacks n their legacy media

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

Can I give this video a ♥️. What a fine father, Chris had. “You’re ordained to be a writer”, “If you go to prison I go with you” What a wonderful man. And now we have Chris Hedges to enlighten us♥️. Thanks for sharing

[@sylvia1942]

I love Chris Hedges, can never get enough of him. What an honorable human being.

[@ajl2232]

Same. He gives some of the most satisfying questions.

[@huazhang8306]

I can not stop listening to his speeches again and again. ! It is just wonderful !

[@Ame3thyst3]

How can you not love Chris Hedges...a genius with a heart of gold. Thanks Paul Jay for a great interview.

[@reakingringpiece]

perfectly put :)

[@loneranger4469]

Chris Hedges is an exceptional human being. So talented, deeply insightful and humane. "...I have always placed myself amongst the oppressed"....extremely rare courage and integrity for an unwavering commitment to truth. Lesser mortals cave in and suck up to power and pelf. A real man amongst men.

[@kirbycollins3223]

I fell asleep with my Headphones on, I woke up hearing Chris Hedges! OMG, You are the Living Truth I thank God For You Chris 😇

[@tonybenn1000]

I Just watched this for the second time, What an incredible human being this Man Is.

[@daveburrows9876]

I just watched this for the second time, too. I feel very fortunate to have the ability to hear people like this merely by opening my browser to the correct URL. I think that of the questions this lecture invokes, the absence of mention of concern for rural poverty is both most curious, and glaring.

[@sumanadasawijayapala5372]

It was touching how much Hedges's father had influenced his thinking.

[@johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb1214]

John B Read his books, examine the microfished reports as a foreign correspondent.

[@BaronSaturday66]

Hedges gives me hope for humanity.

[@ronaldburke2857]

I just found this interview with Chris Hedges, In the last year I discovered Chris Hedges. So I clicked on this presentation to see what he had to say. As always, he shoewed himself to be a man of knowledge with ethics and always searching for the truth. Seeing him talk about his own life and his mental and spiritual growth has made me admire him much more. Pity, that he does not have the calling nor conditions that would make him a candidate for the POTUS.

[@CazyDayz]

Chris Hedges one of the best minds of our time.

[@craiggardner5525]

I love Chris Hedges. One crying in the wilderness. Lord protect him. Keep him safe.

[@cortez_d3352]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@xbluebells]

I love how straight talking Chris Hedges is especially in this interview.

[@mcraemctaggart4396]

Greatest respect for Chris Hedges. A wonderful observation of our world, politics, history, environment. 🙏🏻

[@ReidblunderbussButler]

I've seen a few videos featuring Hedges and the breadth of this man's knowledge -- and his ability to express it concisely on TV -- is astonishing. Having said that, speaking truth to power is no way to make friends. "Tell the truth and run!"

[@michaellariviere5065]

Reid Butler: Telling the truth is dangerous as Ed Snowden and Jullian Assange can attest to but we should be thankful that these people have the courage to do so.

[@michaellariviere5065]

A public revolt is what is needed to gather up the real criminals in the CIA and the NSA however, isn't that the reason the police is now armed to the teeth and dressed in armour?

[@eileenmc4746]

still worth watching years later, msm is scared of Chris hedges and other truth tellers. xoxo to him. down to earth and brilliant, morality stands.

[@HipHopMarijuana]

Love you Chris Hedges an Honest White man.

[@raffaojeda]

Exceptional background of Cris and its call for free the people with his courage to cover reality in many counries in time of war.

[@StinkyTrump4Prison]

A very educated, informative discussion by a very bright man. Thanks Chris!

[@risoletadarin2206]

I was always a writer; language is a kind of music; Christian anarchism; 'neutrality' is a subterfuge; my reports from the I Gulf War was submited by the NYT for the Pulitzer (prize); I was selective about where I placed myself & because there was not much competition; this kind of work was dangerous and NOT prestigious; the elite journalism want to hang around with the Powerful;

[@Eric-rm4uu]

Amazing, such an honest man, Chris Hedges, my inspiration, I'm Salvadorean and I'm humbled that you've been able to see the suffering visited upon my country and my people, suffering brough on by international countries with an agenda that benefits only them and complete disregard for humanity there, thank you for shining light on such a dark place in the world, thank you for giving a voice to those who can't speak for themselves.

[@dennislabbe2538]

This is a very decent show, I look forward to future interviews. Prince Edward Island Canada is watching.

[@joyfullone3968]

dennis labbe : Love Canada I grew up there!🇨🇦

[@Westhamsterdam]

This guy is very good!

[@garymccartney8784]

This man is brilliant!!!!! Hands down!!! Plus he delivers his messages straight forward and always includes subsequent effects faced by people across the globe. No WONDER mainstream media shuns him because he makes us THINK!!!!! Can’t control an educated society that learns the facts.

[@MaggieTheCat01]

They picked a high quality guest for their first episode. Chris Hedges sets the bar high.

[@laraoneal7284]

This man has led the most incredible diverse life I’ve EVER HEARD. Remarkable. Genius family.

[@Rickwmc]

Chris Hedges already is my president.

[@SeanONilbud]

+Spartaculus Jones He's a good lad.

[@careydepass130]

I wish US people would stop saying that everyone who says anything they like should be their president. Oprah, Anderson Cooper, Trey Howdy, etc. I have all heard should be President. I like apple pie. Should I be president? It is so childlike and simplistic to say this. This simple thinking is one of the reasons why the US electorate is so gullible to the point of dangerousness.

[@KennethRothey]

Dr. Hedges: I read broadly that my views and concerns mught be informed with minimal bias. Your perspectives form the gravamen of my clearest and most rational thinking. Thank you.

[@tarantala111]

I could listen to Chris all day - his eloquence is mesmerising.

[@currishev]

I like the interviewer, very professional. Well, the Hedges doesn't need another pledge of reverence. thx for posting.

[@MiriamMonroe]

I have PTSD and trust me, I get no understanding from anyone ever. It's up to me to recognize where my triggers are and to disarm them mentally by myself. I cannot rely on anyone around me to understand. My knowing is: fear is the opposite of Faith.

[@CrucialSpeaks]

LOVE YOU CHRIS. WISH I WAS AROUND PEOPLE LIKE YOU! I AM YOU EXCEPT SILENCED BY ECONOMICS, JUST A SURVIVOR DYING DAILY.

[@geovani8028]

How many of out there are just like you? Is thee enough to revolt? I m just done vtoo hard to go on. Not suicide or anything like that just too tired of the constant struggle. They laugh at us. Actually there is no "us" there is only them. S bunch of forgettable in the way. don look you might see . See what, you ask. No no one asks.

[@StreetartUnitedStates]

Listen to this man!!!

[@aaronmarshall1212]

This shit is intense!

[@HaloAngelBoy]

A massive issue is that upward mobility is such an illusion in our current system. The odds are like the lottery, very few move very far upward despite extremely hard work. People choose to get educate themselves and the market changes, people work 2 jobs, but prices may rise too fast. There are legion reasons that people may find themselves smaller than their circumstances.

[@claudiasutton8240]

I have the up most respect for Chris Hedges.

[@tonybenn1000]

At 15:15- If that don't wake you up about the American Dream, being a dream, then nothing can.

[@nrm55]

9/11 Made Me Question Everything.

[@DonJuanDM]

A soft spoken gentleman with true courage and integrity.

[@jannd8170]

This man is amazing. This man is a genius.

[@mydarlinggirlrachae]

Socialized Insanity I’m a transistorized, transgenederized, transmogrified trans-human A corporatized, commercialized, industrial-strength consumer A goal setting, gym sweating, debt fretting freak A social climbing networker that’s always on heat I got my education, majoring in indoctrination Where they taught me to comply, to never question why And so I’m chasing an illusion, of success that’s a delusion That is sending me insane, exploding my brain And as we teeter on the brink, soon to be extinct I always have a smile, cos' I'm living in denial.

[@geovani8028]

Mydarlinggirlrachael. Love your sonnet. So fucking true. I is we. Thanks. Keep it up.

[@davezak]

thanks for all your hard work on therealnews. really appreciate the honest reporting.

[@dyor512]

Wonderful to listen to this man. Thank you.

[@roquey44]

The last two minutes are unbelievable.

[@justjacqueline2004]

I am sure I will shock Americans when I had to ask Chris Hedges,who is he.Well reading his writings I can only assure you that my ignorance of America and it policies and its ruling elite were profound,although I did suspect as much.Now I want Mr Hedges to point a solution of sorts that is inclusive of us 99.9ers,I hope.Without American led solution to the oligarchs elites insanity we are all stuffed more so those of us outside America who are witnesses to its exceptionalism.

[@gfrench957]

The corporate elites are our cancer.

[@johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb1214]

Maria das Santos Glen Ford, Jesse Ventura, Chris Hedges PUSA 2021

[@fredg.sanford634]

The growing hereditary aristocracy is even more of a pestilence.

[@nerychristian]

All of humanity is corrupt. Every man is capable of great evil. The only difference between us and the elites is, the elites have more money.

[@johnniebovio7736]

Excellent video... Thank you... Speak truth to power...

[@davedrolett6890]

Oddly enough growing up in Boston myself, many of us can relate to almost everything Christopher Hedges is saying.

[@EQPaunders]

dave Drolett lol, “almost”

[@mainstreet3023]

If there’s one blessing I’ve had since being online, it’s being able to listen to Chris Hedges.

[@GoogleUser-wy2vv]

Honest and thinking man...

[@dondressel4802]

When I first started listening to him I thought he was anti-American Then as I listened to him even more I realized that he is telling the truth I now respect him and trust him far more than any American politician It’s to bad he’s not one of our politicians He would be one of a few American politicians that would be trustworthy and honest along with Tulsi Gabbard God Bless you Chris for bringing the truth to light

[@GalacticNovaOverlord]

Lmao Tulsi Gabbard This aged like milk. Tulsi Gabbard is far right. Though you're right about everything else

[@66pst]

Great person....just got to know this personality,what a pleasure and enrichment.There is Hope at last!

[@iliumoftroy]

What a Human being ! we are not worthy.

[@rob0576a]

He calls things as he sees them. A true man of courage

[@justTheMadLib]

Paul this was an amazing interview, definitely one of the best I've seen of Chris. I would love the series to be ongoing with periodic interviews continuous. I feel like I learn tremendously just from Chris' opinions and life experiences, let alone his amazing reporting and writing.

[@kerrympay]

Chris should RULE THE WORLD! My hero!

[@jophoenix3919]

Paul, Thank you for interviewing Chris Hedges. and for such a good selection to interview I am a big fan of Chris Hedges.. When listening to you interviewing Chris Hedges, one realizes', how truly bad everyone else is! Again Thank you

[@homerco213]

Chris continues to amaze.

[@nelsonvega2919]

Thank you Chris, I have always enjoyed reading the pictures you compose with your wonderful writing. Today the news is even more shallow and less well rounded in the truth. So please continue to do your work, I'm sure there is more then just a few people.

[@musa1274]

love and respect for Chris! He is brave and insightful.

[@Juan-ud3if]

God bless all truth teller's and truth lovers.❤❤❤❤❤

[@walteriamusic5556]

Times are a Mess That's for Sure Filled with Distress Desperation Lure's

[@mydarlinggirlrachae]

Socialized Insanity I’m a transistorized, transgenederized, transmogrified trans-human A corporatized, commercialized, industrial-strength consumer A goal setting, gym sweating, debt fretting freak A social climbing networker that’s always on heat I got my education, majoring in indoctrination Where they taught me to comply, to never question why And so I’m chasing an illusion, of success that’s a delusion That is sending me insane, exploding my brain And as we teeter on the brink, soon to be extinct I always have a smile, cos' I'm living in denial.

[@walteriamusic5556]

@@mydarlinggirlrachae Very Nice !! Might you have a melody & chords to accompany the lyrics ?

[@mydarlinggirlrachae]

Thank you, very kind...and just so happens just finished doing just that : ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/noKcZnl_nsaiarc

[@rocoreb]

blazing courage and balls of steel! period!

[@Larkinchance]

Paul, so good to have you back.. Jaisal and Jessica were excellent!, Please continue to let them report. Chris Hedges is a hero.

[@stuboyd1194]

I'm kinda surprised that Chris Hedges hasn't met with an "accident" yet.

[@bellaperuana64]

Stu Boyd so very true.. he is so good that God is protecting him ❤️

[@fistfull1]

Stoogatzo I eliminated him

[@sozfan1]

would be interesting to know why so many modern churches are silent on the issues of economics and social justice, esp. the unjust distribution of profits and exploitation of labor.

[@entropybentwhistle]

Not hard to figure out. Many of them are about televangelism and greed so the head “pastor” can get his second yacht. They’re a segment of the corporate extremism of ‘Murica, idolizing demagogues and saying they’re the second coming of Jesus. They know so little of Jesus as a philosopher, rather using the name as a weapon to cudgel those who oppose them and to rally credulous and gullible people to funnel them money as “prosperity gospel” and to use the bully pulpit to spread a message of greed rather than empathy. A grotesque amount of religion in the US is a parasitic illness, not a spiritual and community uplifter.

[@bealtainecottage]

Thank you for these great interviews with Chris Hedges...I have just subscribed to the channel and expect similar interviews...lots of them!

[@cindyrolle6476]

I bought my first Audiobook by Hedges regarding the Iraqi war and Americans mis treatment of Iraqi civilians. This man has a real soul. Thank you Mr. Hedges.

[@donaldwarren3071]

Thk you Chris for speaking up😊

[@iway6648]

serious interview

[@TheLavanta86]

In old time, people had dignity and honour. They could be empathetic to other lives and feel bad of they were forced to do. Nowadays people are so desensitised that they don't care how they affect others lives, some even enjoy killing those lives.

[@plasterdbastard]

Part 2, please! Lovin' it.

[@mikeodell6090]

Love Chris Hedges..He emulates the best in the tenet's of Jesus Christ. ..💪😊👍

[@michaelk622]

Until the liberal elite start giving guys like Chris a platform, I will consider them to be the well-paid, well-connected hollow shells that they are (i.e. MSNBC, Obama, Clinton, NYT)

[@jxsilicon9]

They aren't modern liberal. Real liberals will never get a seat. Instead you have fake opposition and pretending people like Hillary are liberal. The justice Democrats and the people on the ground you need to follow. Nina Turner,Bernie,etc. Don't trust corporate news.

[@Qstar36]

Great interview!

[@seekingjustthefacts]

I had almost given-up all hope for humanity, and thought that my world-outlook was outdated and even delusional. That is until I listened to the heart of Chris Hedges. That is when I knew that God was still watching and directing everything. I can only pray that these newer generations will embrace his teachings; instead of the religion of A.I. and individualism.

[@yonisgure7348]

He got his first piece published when he was 12. When I was 12, I was picking my nose while watching Pokemon.

[@tomstiveson1313]

I so admire your candor / honesty and timely humor. Chris is indeed the man. The kind of man we need leading this country, especially now!

[@geovani8028]

You ate funny. Thanks.

[@reneewatson582]

I highly admire Chris Hedges. I want to ask him his ideas on how can we save ourselves from massive elimination which is set up by the Elite. What can we do to save the people on our Earth.

[@laurensb1b]

Good to see you again Paul

[@CuteCatFaith]

Brilliant guest and host.

[@domingodeanda233]

Your is awesome and so are you Chris.

[@boatman222345]

Like Chris I grew up in he relative abundance of middle class America. Like him I grew up in a family where social responsibility was stressed. Unlike him by the time I graduated high school I'd decided that I'd had enough of the Dog & Pony Show we call American Education. Sitting passively in class listening to regurgitated factoids that I was myself expected to memorize and regurgitate had no appeal. So I decided to join the Peace Corp. Alas due to my lack of a college degree the Peace Corp wasn't interested in having me as part of the team...which in retrospect was probably a rare stroke of good luck for me given the "real" role the Peace Corp wound up playing on the world stage. Anyway I'd heard of Vista (volunteers in service to America) so that was the next door I knocked on...and surprise, surprise, the door opened and I was let in despite my lack of a college degree. Initially I was sent to Saint Edwards University in Austin, Texas for training. Out of 250 trainees I was the only one without a college degree...drum roll please...and about the only one with any real world experience. Long story short I was trained to be a self-help housing agent for the Farmer's Home Administration and shipped off to Albuquerque, NM to take my place in Lyndon Johnson's supposed War On Poverty. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the program I'd been trained for was hideously underfunded and, the local FHA agent informed, I was welcome to organize a group of low income residents interested in building their own low cost homes, but it would "be for nothing" as no funds existed to build homes! In need of a change in role I decided to utilize my skills as a photographer to make public the hideous poverty all too commonly encountered within Albuquerque's city limits. Like Chris by the end of my term of enlistment I'd discovered that the American Myth had no clothes. Or as Dorthy discovered the Wizard was "nothing but a humbug!" All this said I can't say how much I admire Chris for the work he's accomplished and for the incredible devotion he has evidenced in his efforts to pull down the Wizards Curtain! Thanks Chris!

[@ithajean]

Brilliant comments at 16:00, thank you Chris

[@HerbertSchwabl]

Welcome back, Paul Jay!

[@jellyrcw12]

The picture at 12:09 is amazing. I love photos like that. Great video, thank you.

[@acajudi100]

Thank you.

[@larrycoffield3039]

Hey Paul, good to have you back. Why not have Chris on once a week ? He's as good as it gets.

[@vitikogaming2182]

Black latino here..when i look into his eyes i can tell he doesnt fear my people. Hr actually engages with us. Truly honest man. I live in nyc..and man those liberals cant really stand me in person.

[@1239Rolo]

A very clear reality, Thanks!

[@touche97]

i ms grateful for Chris Hedges who does hold back on how poorly people doing when not one of the elites.

[@DavidByrne85]

Something good from TRN again! Welcome back Paul Jay!

[@zain23r]

Paul Jay is finally back!

[@charleskesner1302]

Keeping it real. Thanks.

[@cortez_d3352]

Chris Hedges #GOAT ‼️

[@fringeailments]

what an amazing man.

[@buckleysdead]

Hedges is a brave mother . . .

[@villageidiot8661]

What up Jesse? I think you're right. I don't believe there has been a single instance where I've disagreed with Chris Hedges, and I'm as rabid an atheist as they come. Also, the funny thing is that after I discovered Chris, I started disliking Hitchens and Sam Harris. Chris Hedges is a true humanist. This guy would argue with God to make sure a single fellow human could find an extra moment's peace.

[@iEmbarcadero]

A healthy conscious is incapable of digesting this abhorrent nature we're born into. However it's omnipresent, like strolling in a scorching desert with no water, consciousness will eventually expire.

[@jillytot1981]

Finally youtube is showing me video suggestions I want instead of trying to pull me towards the political right. We are so fucked.

[@imburg1]

I'm with Chris. Sign me up for the movement.

[@juanaleman6963]

What all men should aspire to be.