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Your friendly neighborhood microbiologist in Boise, Idaho.

Nov 22, 2020 – The Execution of the Songwriter Joe Hill by the Murderous Capitalist Class – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 334

Description: On November 19, 1915, legendary IWW songwriter and migrant worker Joe Hill was executed by firing squad in Utah for a murder he did not commit. Bill and Rachel discuss.

Theme music by Stunt Bird. End music by the subject of today’s episode.

Links and notes for Ep. 334 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/AFD-Ep-334-Links-and-Notes-The-Execution-of-the-Singer-Joe-Hill-by-the-Murderous-Capitalist-Class.pdf

Nov 15, 2020 – The Coal Strikes of 1902 and 1919 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 333

Description: In 1902 and 1919, US coal miners undertook huge strikes and both times they won. In one case, the intervention of a US President sealed the win. But what happened in the other? Bill and Rachel discuss.

Links and notes for Ep. 333 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/AFD-Ep-333-Links-and-Notes-The-Coal-Strikes-of-1902-and-1919.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Nov 8, 2020 – The Rise of Bicycles – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 332

Description: Bill and Rachel discuss pedal-assist e-bikes, the rise of bicycles during the Second Industrial Revolution, and the historic role of bikes in feminism and the military.

Links and notes for Ep. 332 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/AFD-Ep-332-Links-and-Notes-The-Rise-of-Bicycles.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Oct 25, 2020 – The Memorial Day Massacre of 1937 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 330

Description: In 1937, Chicago Police, acting on behalf of the “Little Steel” industrialists who wanted to end the New Deal, fired unprovoked into a crowd of peaceful strikers and their families. Then came a PR spin fight. Bill and Rachel discuss.

Links and notes for Ep. 330 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AFD-Ep-330-Links-and-Notes-The-Memorial-Day-Massacre-of-1937.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Oct 11, 2020 – Traffic Law Enforcement – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 328

Description: Bill and Rachel discuss the origins of US automotive traffic laws and current debates over the role of police in traffic safety.

Links and notes for Ep. 328 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AFD-Ep-328-Links-and-Notes-Traffic-Stops-and-the-Origins-of-Traffic-Laws-Around-Cars.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Sept 27, 2020 – Teapot Dome – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 326

Description: Rachel and Bill discuss the 1920s Teapot Dome scandal and several Interior Department corruption scandals of the current Trump Administration. (Just after we recorded, stories broke about Trump steering wall construction contracts to a company and also about his tax returns.)

Links and notes for Ep. 326 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AFD-Ep-326-Links-and-Notes-Teapot-Dome.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Sept 20, 2020 – The Boston Police Strike of 1919 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 325

Description: In September 1919, a poorly-planned strike by the newly formed union representing Boston Police collapsed immediately and ended organizing of police for decades. But did they belong in the labor movement at all?

Links and notes for Ep. 325 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AFD-Ep-325-Links-Boston-Police-Strike-Police-Labor-Relations.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.