I Don't Speak German

I deleted the fascists I was following this is a much better show

Overall the show is a good source of information regarding the far-right. However, there’s a tendency to fall into the “no true Scotsman” bit where the hosts feel like they’re the only real leftists and anyone who engages in politics in another way (chiefly electoralism) isn’t a leftist. Not often, but occasionally, the hosts just start whining that they aren’t invited on larger platforms. Who cares, man? I don’t need half of a 100 minute episode about graham platner’s SA to be a repetitive I told you so or whining that people on larger platforms didn’t instantly denounce him when he started running when the only other option was 78 year old corporate dem Janet Mills. Let’s go back to the roots of the pod and focus on what you’re good at.

If you’re into teenage jokes, uneducated takes, a lack of research, immature interviews and heavily doctored clip cutting for marketing engagement, this podcast is for you. It’s irresponsible and dangerous, and doesn’t even pretend to have integrity.

I have listened to this podcast on and off for years. It’s not that I take issue with their opinions, broadly I agree. But the ‘more leftist than thou’ vibe is really strong. 1. Reasons for military service are complex. While you did acknowledge that briefly, you seem to think that you can tell from the outside how people feel about their service. Platner can go rot, but there is a way to talk about military service that isn’t smug, more leftist than thou, and implying that anyone who doesn’t meet your exact metrics for ‘acceptable military service’ is a b100dth!rsty 7@c!5t. Maybe listen to was some ex military leftists have to say about their reasons, experiences, and politics before you sound off. 2. Pro tip when talking about 7@p3: Take a minute to consider how you would feel being talked about, or around, if you were the victim. Or if your partner was. It’s really gross to hear things like ‘they only took it seriously because she was the perfect victim,’ centering her race as the reason why her allegations mattered, and constantly indirectly comparing (and dismissing) the severity of the woman’s experience vs the ‘k!77!ng of brown people.’ Your observations aren’t wrong, but if you have any concern for women, you’ve got to talk about these issues with more care. 3. As a woman, if I heard you two talking like this in public, I would leave the room rather than join in, even though I agree with you. You don’t sound like men who listen when others speak, you sound like men who talk over anyone else and believe that proves you’re right. You are the leftist version of podcast bros. I think that does say something about you both as people and about your politics. 4. Wth do either of you do other than piss and moan on a podcast? Maybe I don’t listen often enough and maybe you’re doing some awesome grassroots work. But those liberals you are so quick to denigrate are the ones knocking doors and getting out the vote. Are you feeding the hungry? Are you organizing protests? Are you doing literally anything other than listening to yourselves talk? 5. Finally let me be very clear, this is not about you all being “mean” to Platner, very sincerely eff that guy. This about your ability to convey your message and work towards a better future, rather just being leftist Statler and Waldorf.