Links to today’s show transcripts:
“America is on Trial”: Historian Ibram X. Kendi on the Failure to Convict Cops Who Kill Black People
As three Chicago police officers face charges for covering up the police shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, today’s show examines the cases of Philando Castile, Sam DuBose and Sylville Smith—three black men killed by police officers. In recent weeks, two of the officers were acquitted; one had a mistrial. Our first guest writes, “[I]t is not just police officers who are on trial. America is on trial. Either these deaths are justified, and therefore America is just, or these deaths are unjustified, and America is unjust.” We speak with historian Ibram X. Kendi. His recent book, “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America,” is the recipient of the 2016 National Book Award.
Stamped from the Beginning: Ibram X. Kendi on the History of Racist Ideas in U.S.
With police killings dominating the headlines, historian Ibram X. Kendi discusses his recent book, “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America,” which traces the origins of racist ideas in the U.S. The author examines the impact of historically racist policies on existing racial disparities. His book is the recipient of the 2016 National Book Award.
D.C. Police Accused of Using “Rape as Punishment” Targeting Some Arrested During Trump Inauguration
A shocking lawsuit accuses the Washington, D.C., police of using sexual abuse as a form of punishment targeting people arrested during protests against Donald Trump’s inauguration. A complaint by four plaintiffs charges officers stripped them, grabbed their genitalia and inserted fingers into their anuses while other officers laughed.
Brazilian President Michel Temer Charged with Corruption, a Year After He Backed Ouster of Rousseff
In Brazil, President Michel Temer has been formally charged with corruption, a year after he backed the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff from office. Federal prosecutors accuse Temer of taking millions of dollars in bribes. Prosecutor Rodrigo Janot said Temer has “fooled Brazilian citizens.” Temer, who rejected the allegations, is the country’s first sitting head of state to be formally charged with a crime.
