ama

Is there a first thought?

If you had to choose one book, video, podcast episode, movie, whatever to show a person, what do you think would have the best chance of (1) actually being consumed by them and (2) starting the process of moving them leftward?

To make this question easier/more difficult, what's your answer for a conservative versus a liberal (using statesian definitions of the words)?

Hi JT. I think it's safe to say, you've had a good deal of success in reaching people online and opening them up to socialist concepts. But are there any instances in real life where you've felt you "got through" to someone in some significant way? I mean that in terms of just straight up talking to someone in person who wasn't aware of your online work and making real headway, but also if anyone you know "in real life" has told you that your online work is what helped change their perspective. In either case, did they have anything specific to say about what it was that "won them over"?

Just to add a little context, I remember you mentioning on the podcast that you and some old college buddies still on occasion get together and do powerpoint presentations for each other. First of all, my god, that's some wholesome nerdiness. If I remember right, those friends were more receptive than you had expected, and I always wondered about what they thought much later on, after you became a reasonably big online persona.

In addition to my above serious question, I wonder if you might just maybe indulge me a little further with a second one? Would you be willing to nudge Hakim & Yugopnik into doing an AMA here too? I don't know if that's socially/parasocially uncouth of me to ask, but it would be awesome if we could pick the brains of all 3 of The Deprogram boys I have jokingly said that since Hexbear was fortunate enough to get you, we should let our comrade instance, lemmygrad.ml, have the honor of hosting Hakim's AMA. But then Hexbear and Lemmygrad need to have some sort of posting battle, and only the winner gets to host Yugopnik. Regardless of the particulars, Hakim & Yugopnik may really enjoy it as a respite from the monotony of being forever stuck in your basement, yeah?

(Apologies if any of this was asked before, I'm still working my way through the thread)

His Twitter feed aside, what do you think of Day's essay, Masses, Elites, and Rebels: The Theory of "Brainwashing"? It's at least in the running for being this website's favorite text that isn't by Michael Parenti, and I personally think it's probably the most insightful essay I've ever read.

Hey! Huge fan. There's been a lot of talk recently with folks like Richard Wolff on coop based market socialism, and it seems to have some successful implementation in Cuba. I was wondering your thoughts. I also was wondering what you think about socialist nations having multiple explicitly socialist parties, vs one general Communist party?

Hello JT, what do you think about debate-bro/sis content?

Is debate from a leftist perspective valuable in the youtube/streaming space?

While not a general political debate person I've found nominal.naomi's videos really helpful when advocating for trans-rights in context of discussion/debate

What's a work of theory that you would recommend that's not well known?

Hey JT, love your work.

My question is what made you decide on using the formal newsreader voice for First Thought videos over a more casual tone?

Where do you personally think first world praxis should focus? Building movements inside the empire? Accelerating the downfall of the empire? Aiding international / third world socialist projects? Elsewhere?

The first seems difficult and at constant risk of getting coopted or subsumed. The second risks making things worse for no reason. Not sure how to do the latter other than financial aid.

Do you listen to tapes or cds?

JT, please try some SC style grits. You deserve better.

As for a question: do you think a lack of intervention would have resulted in a genocide within the now DPR and LPR?

Hi JT! I have greatly enjoyed the podcast and videos over the past few years. In your opinion, do you think labor relations has reached a tipping point in the favor of labor, in the US?

Bonus question, how do you get your hair to have those beautiful curls?

What do you think about revolutionary unions, as opposed to mainstream unions? Have you joined any? What do you think of the CNT squabbling?

Love the podcast and channel, was wondering if you’ve thought about having Claudia De La Cruz or Eugene Puryear on the show?

Also what do you like to watch for Halloween?

What are your thoughts on VTubing?

Hey JT thanks for dropping by here again, with the post Bernie left era approaching in the United States what kind of efforts are being explored to have socialist organizations in the US coalesce around candidates for higher office? E.g. long-term is there any effort from organizations like the DSA and CPUSA to have a united front in say the 2028 Presidential election either under an established party like the democratic Party or under another socialist party that's endorsed by all major socialist organizations? 2024 seems firmly entrenched in protest vote options but beyond that what can we do strategically? I'm not convinced of reforming being the way to achieve communism but a coordinated campaign could serve to heighten class consciousness.

Hi JT, what do you think is the best way to dissuade STEM students in a low income area from selling out to defence companies? A lot of people I know seem to be considering it, and I've tried giving them resources about the many civiluan casualties of America's wars, reports of children being hit in strikes, etc but it doesn't dissuade them from it.

Besides the USSR, China, and the GDR, which socialist state's anthem do you like the best?