An intv w/ Max Blumenthal-Now That Biden is In-What Next?

We spoke with long time activist, author and investigative journalist Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone. He talks about what it was like in Washington DC during the January 6th attacks on the Capitol by right wing Trump supporters. He notes that while many people are arguably happy to see vigorous attempts to go after those responsible, he cautions that many of those effort will soon pivot to go after left wing activists.

Max pointed out over 20 states in the aftermath of the George Floyd protest during the Summer of 2020, had fast tracked and put out legislation that would severely punish people for protesting. Some of the laws are wide ranging and would completely upend the most minor ‘transgressions’. For example, in some states like Florida, anyone in a group of more than 10 people who create a disturbance or stop business would be charged with a felony.

They also pushed forth a bill that would expand the Stand Your Ground Law and justify vigilantes shooting down protestors. This means that if a group of people went on strike and walked around a business with picket signs, that could be construed as a violation of the law.

For some this may sound completely absurd, until we look at a recent case in Auroa, Colorado. Over the summer there were huge protests around the brutal slaying of Elijah McClain by police. One protest organized by members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, led more than 600 people who surrounded the local police station. Organizers of that marched were charged with attempted kidnapping, because police argued that they were prevented from leaving the building to do their jobs and hence ‘were kidnapped’. Organizers are looking at 20 years in jail if convicted.

This is a documentary explaining the crack down on protestors in places like Auroa, Colorado

Max Blumenthal noted what took place in Auroa is just the tip of the iceberg and that many states are using the January 6th Protests as justification to put forth harsh anti-protest laws. He feels that Joe Biden will not push back but will actually double down in an attempt to silence voices from the left.

Max was clear that folks in the aftermath of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris making it to the White House, that folks will have to continue working for justice and stay vigilant.