On today’s episode of the Talkies: Recent accounts of squalid and unhealthy conditions for migrant children at the US/Mexico border and the deaths of migrants attempting the perilous border crossing have created shock and concern. The Trump administration and Republican backers have pointed fingers at Congressional Democrats and vice-versa. But what effect have immigration enforcement policies had on conditions at the border? Guest host Max Pringle spoke with Layla Razavi of the California Immigrant Policy Center.
Then, Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Shannon O’Neil joins us to talk about the economic and political crisis in Venezuela.
In the second half of the program, author and journalist Anna Merlan discusses her new book “Republic of Lies: American Conspiracy Theorists and their Surprising Rise to Power.” It’s a fascinating account of the rise in the influence of conspiracy theories and the effect that’s having on our politics and our science.
Wrapping up the show, the After Mindfulness Urban Retreat and Global Conference on Buddhism comes to Berkeley Saturday June 29. It’s a two-day event including, meditation, talks, yoga and a musical and cultural festival. Event organizer Diana Chen is our guest.