Revolution & Surveillance: Joshua Sales in Tennessee

<p>This conversation marks the first of an interview series with midterm candidates (all running for election this year). After receiving countless guest requests from campaigns, I thought about what my role <em>should</em> <em>be</em> this election cycle. I don’t have a taste for covering electoral politics 24/7. Then, I had an epiphany: it’s my platform, I can choose the topics of discussion. It seems obvious, but it’s like how Carlos from <em>Disrupt </em>said (paraphrasing): life under fascism involves a lot of people acting like a donkey tied to a traffic cone. That is to say, we assume the restrictions ourselves. Fear is their greatest weapon. Much of the oppression we experience occurs through established norms, rather than any direct violent enforcement of rules.</p><p>How exciting it is to pull our rope off of the traffic cone. As I write this, I’m remembering our neighbors donkey breaking loose yesterday morning. She was bucking and frolicking through a field. That’s me right now I guess. Hopefully that’s the Democratic Party soon too. Once revolutionaries take it over. The donkey analogy is going much farther than I planned.</p><p>My point is, if candidates want attention from non-traditional media, so let’s have them meet us on our terms. As independent journalists, if we don’t make demands of candidates, conversations like this one might never happen. Candidates have to talk to me about the revolution and ending mass surveillance, or else I won’t have them on the show. </p><p>I hope more independent media figures do the same. If continues being enjoyable I may do another series like this one, but focused on the <em>real </em>economy.</p><p>Let me know what you think! There was a lag between us on my rural wifi but Joshua was great to chat with. Surprisingly forthcoming and based on the revolution questions. Enjoy.</p><p>Next up will be Aisha Farooqui in Michigan!</p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://kaburbank.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">kaburbank.substack.com/subscribe</a>