But I lay fault for the war squarely where it belongs…in Trump’s hands. And I see a deeply anti-Semitic discourse playing out all over American society…from left to right. This says that Benjamin Netanyahu compelled the United States to join with him in a war he’s wanted for decades. And it’s true, he’s wanted this war for decades b/c Israel’s interests diverge from US interests. Iran funds and arms proxies like Hamas, Hesbollah, and the Houtis in Yemen, all of whom attack Israeli civilians. And there are more reasons based on Netanyahu’s corruption, as well as the Netanyahu regime’s interests, but that’s for a different discussion.

The anti-Semitic discourse in all of this is that Israel compelled the United States to enter a war that has embroiled the entire region, and could easily spread beyond the Middle East. This is a classic anti-Semitic trope that stems from the idea that Jews control the world systems. It’s blaming all Jews for a war that was instigated by the Netanyahu regime. But more than that, it’s assigning Jews power over the United States.

There is no universe in which Israel has more power than the United States. Let me repeat this: Israel does not have more geopolitical power than the United States. Full Stop.

Israel’s PM might be canny, or corrupt, or manipulative, or even evil. But that does not mean he has the power to dictate American foreign policy. By saying that Israel dragged the US into the war, or that the US is fighting a war at Israel’s behest, is essentially blaming all Jews for a major world-destabilizing campaign, which puts Jews all over the world at risk (as we’ve seen with lots of attacks on synagogues worldwide). I, for one, am supremely pissed at his lack of care for Israelis (both Jewish and Palestinian) and Diaspora Jews.

Israel does not have the power to compel the United States.

The Netanyahu regime might have kompromat on Trump, but then so does the rest of the world.

Israel’s attempt to go to war with Iran at the side of the US is not new. Netanyahu tried to convince Biden, Obama, and even Bush to go to war with Iran. All of them refused to pursue this policy b/c it’s not in America’s interest. Trump went with it for reasons of his own (it certainly wasn’t American national security). It might have something to do with diverting attention from the fact that he raped little children and is scooping money in by the armful. So the idea of Netanyahu engineering this war is misleading at best and anti-semitic in almost all cases.

Trump has agency. He even compels his cabinet to wear ill-fitting, uncomfortable, cheap shoes. He may be unwitting, he may be a patsy, but he is POTUS for good or ill (exclusively ill, I believe). It is far more likely that Russia had a big hand in this b/c all Russian objectives are being met….sanctions dropped, providing energy to the world b/c Mideast energy is constrained, the US in internal turmoil, continued support of Iran’s military efforts, all while using the American President to achieve these goals.

We can be utterly opposed to Netanyahu’s policies without being anti-Semitic. And many of us are…if we understand nuance and that multiple things can be true at the same time. But we also must be aware that Anti-Semites and many regular Americans who don’t pay attention to actual policy debates, conflate Israel and worldwide Jewry with impunity.

I urge everyone reading this (and please share with others who might not otherwise see it) to put this into context, as does in his writings, and in conversations like the one with earlier this week.

The Debrief with Debra Shushan

White Nationalism's Antisemitic Core & the Fight for a Multiracial Democracy

What a pleasure it was to host Eric K. Ward — one of America’s leading voices on the intersection of authoritarianism, hate-fueled violence, and the fight to sustain a multiracial, inclusive democracy — on The Debrief! It was a fascinating and nourishing conversation, something many of our souls need right now…

Listen now

a month ago · 42 likes · 6 comments · Debra Shushan and Eric K. Ward

Even discussed his nuanced view on the topic. He supports Israel, but doesn’t support the war. He supports Israel’s existence, but not the Netanyahu regime. This is true for many many of us. He put this into the context of Americans becoming so hateful that no nuance is present. But I think he missed the boat a little bit on this one. Because the issues surrounding Israel/Palestine are virtually the only issues in which those on the left and the right deal in absolutes. The details of those conversations, I’ll leave for another day.

I’m asking all of you to think very carefully about who you assign the most power and agency to in this war with Iran. Trump is the senior partner in the US/Israeli relationship, even though he’s thoroughly compromised, sociopathic, and demented. Israel has agency and will, but not enough power to compel the United States. And Iran has agency also. War isn’t solitaire. We might have started this war, but Iran gets to say when it’s over, because it just has to survive and inflict sufficient pain on it’s adversaries, rather than win decisively.

So, please, let’s not let our opposition to the Trump/MAGA Murder regime play into the hands of the Jew haters. Because every Jew the world over pays that price, regardless of their religious beliefs, their stance on Israel/Palestine, their approval or hatred of the Netanyahu regime, or even their complete disinterest in everything having to do with Israel/Palestine. Did the little kids in the Temple Israel preschool in Michigan start a war with Iran? Did the worshippers at a Netherlands synagogue, a British synagogue, or those hanging out at Bondi beach to celebrate Hanukkah make any political decisions? No they did not. And that’s why conflating all Jews and the Israeli government is so dangerous.

As says, we will not defeat this evil regime without standing together…Jews and Muslims, Christians and atheists, Black, Indigenous, Latino, LGBTQ+, and all the folks who are working to achieve a better world. So let’s pull together without letting hate get in our way. has written about his recently as well, and I urge everyone to follow her, as well as Debra and Eric, linked above. May we work together, be the heroes of our own story, and fight for the future we want to live.

In this episode:

• The transformative potential of sci-fi, especially Afrofuturism, in envisioning future Black identities and possibilities.

• How media like Star Trek and Andor inspire hope and strategic thinking about societal change.

• The enduring power of comics, TV shows, and storytelling in normalizing diverse identities and challenging stereotypes.

• The necessity of grassroots organizing—building community locally, virtually, and through shared interests.

• Practical steps for reclaiming community and fostering activism, even for those feeling disconnected or hesitant.

• How cultural work and policy advocacy are intertwined, and the importance of collaborating with media creators to shape narratives.

• The role of education and representation in humanizing marginalized groups and combating hierarchy and hierarchy-based oppression.

• The urgent need to model alternative futures through storytelling and tangible policy, emphasizing collective liberation.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
02:05 - Norbese Flint’s background and activism
03:42 - Afrofuturism and imagining Black futures
06:23 - Star Trek as a blueprint for a post-scarcity society
08:00 - The significance of Andor in understanding rebellion and sacrifice
10:16 - Lessons from science fiction on tyranny and hope
11:28 - Creating a post-scarcity world in reality
12:26 - The influence of comic books and media in shaping social norms
14:04 - The power of storytelling in normalization and representation
16:29 - Honoring the legacy of reproductive justice pioneers
17:51 - The importance of daily community actions in resistance
19:45 - Rebuilding local connections post-pandemic
22:55 - How to catalyze community through interest-based organizations
29:37 - Tools and strategies for breaking isolation and building community
32:27 - Practical ways to foster in-person and virtual connection
35:07 - Historical roots of comics as cultural resistance
38:50 - The role of media in reflecting and challenging social norms
42:27 - Representation of LGBTQ+ communities in media and its impact
44:38 - Culture as a foundation for humanizing and empowering marginalized groups
50:01 - The rising threat of licit and illicit eugenics and how to oppose it
51:00 - Cultivating narratives of collective flourishing in media and policy
52:34 - Collaboration between culture creators and policy advocates
55:10 - Strategies for engaging entertainment industries in social justice work
57:11 - Connecting online activism with grassroots community efforts
58:44 - Final reflections and upcoming initiatives

Resources & Links:

• All Above All

• For All Our Futures

• Reproductive Justice House Party Toolkit (free download)

• Substack - Norbese Flint

• Gutsy Media

• American Experiment Project

Connect with Norbese Flint:

• Instagram

• Blue Sky

• Substack

Additional Recommendations:

• Explore the Star Trek series, especially The Next Generation and Strange New Worlds, for societal reflections.

• Watch Andor for insights into militarized resistance and sacrifice.

• Engage with comics like X-Men to understand the allegory on race and otherness.

• Participate in local groups and grassroots campaigns to turn inspiration into action.

Building a more equitable future requires both imagination and community. From media to policy, every act of storytelling and organizing counts. Remember, the power lies within each of us to be heroes in our own communities.

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You can find Nourbese at All Above All. Thanks for all who joined the livestream (sorry I couldn’t see the chat). I’ll be back next week with Chronically Illing Out with and .

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Takeaways

• Community is essential for independent journalism.

• Grassroots support is crucial for sustaining independent media.

• Legacy media is increasingly consolidated and biased.

• Local journalism plays a vital role in accountability.

• Political engagement is necessary to combat voter suppression.

• Leadership must adapt to the current political climate.

• Voter turnout is critical for democratic success.

• Economic power influences political outcomes.

• Hope requires action and sustained effort.

• Long-term vision is needed for systemic change.

Sound Bites

• “We need massive, massive turnout.”

• “Hope is an action verb.”

• “We need to go local, local, local.”

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Community Engagement

02:41The State of Independent Media

05:19Challenges Facing Journalism Today

07:59The Role of Grassroots Support in Media

10:33Navigating the New Media Landscape

13:29Leadership and Political Engagement

16:58Voter Turnout and Election Integrity

22:15Preparing for Future Elections

28:29Republican Voices for Democracy

30:21The Role of Leadership in Challenging Times

31:36Grassroots Engagement and Political Responsibility

34:09The Importance of Primaries and Local Elections

37:29Voting: Necessary but Not Sufficient

40:19Hope and Action in the Face of Corruption

42:56Long-Term Vision for Change

50:27The Power of Local Journalism and Community Engagement

The audio version of this will be out in the next couple of days, and you can find it here and anywhere you get your podcasts. I also encourage you to listen to Tara’s podcast, Gloves Off, on You Tube or wherever you listen. Her program is what mine would be if I had money and staff. At least what I aspire to.

You can help me get there with a paid sub or a one time donation.

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The conversation covers topics related to health disparities, social determinants of health, and the impact of political polarization on public health. It delves into the challenges of access to healthcare, the influence of social factors on health outcomes, and the intersection of politics and public health. The conversation continued into the importance of community and collaboration, highlighting the significance of independent media and the Substack community. It also explored the impact of unstructured conversations and the value of deep dives into expertise.

Takeaways

• Health disparities and access to healthcare

• Social determinants of health

• Political polarization and its impact on public health Community and Collaboration

• Independent Media and Substack Community

Chapters

• 00:00 Health Disparities and Access to Healthcare

• 19:03 Social Determinants of Health

• 28:49 Political Polarization and Public Health

• 54:39 Independent Media and Substack Community

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This conversation lands somewhere between the game and reality, so it uses the game’s assumptions about the actions that the three groups would take. I don’t think those assumptions are accurate, and you can judge for yourself. Even without accurate assumptions, it’s crucial to think ahead, widening our imagination so we’re no longer shocked by what the MAGA Murder Regime/Epstein Regime does (the bottom is still a long way away).

I don’t know if this game in particular is the way to fully understand our options for regaining power, or if there’s another path to an actionable plan. But the Dems need one, and need to learn to wield power.

Freedom Over Fascism has formed a partnership with Dropps, dishwashing and laundry pods that are sustainable, dye and scent free, and effective. I use them myself, and will only work with brands I personally vouch for. I love that there’s no massive plastic bottle that goes into the waste stream, and the material used for the pod doesn’t contain microplastics. I also like that they work really well. So, if you want to check them out too, you can go to Dropps and use the code FREEDOM for 25% off and free shipping for first time orders. And perhaps this will help me continue to bring you these podcasts.

If you don’t want to try new laundry pods (or even if you do), please consider supporting Freedom Over Fascism with a paid subscription. I would like to continue to create content, and even expand it, but I need support from my awesome community to do it.

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Also you can help with a one time donation, at Buy Me A Coffee or Venmo.

MERCH: I have started a store on bonfire with some initial designs. There’s more to come, but this is a great start.

Bonfire Store

In salons across the country, policymakers, journalists, legal scholars, technologists, business executives, operatives, civic leaders, faculty, and students play out a likely contested-elector scenario in which urban votes are delegitimized, alternate slates of electors are submitted by rural state legislators, and the president of the Senate (identified as JD Vance in the example) could accept alternate electors, echoing January 2021 dynamics.

Melhorn notes a peaceful transfer of power is historically rare when the incumbent faction controls coercive power and faces legal jeopardy if it loses. He presents historical analogues for enforcing election outcomes through mass collective action, including the Velvet Revolution, Chile’s protests against Pinochet, the Philippines’ People Power Revolution, Israeli civil society protests in 2023, and most centrally Serbia 2000, where Otpor helped drive a general strike-style shutdown until Slobodan Milošević left office after losing. He frames the central plan as: win in 2028 and enforce the win in 2029, potentially requiring broad “arm-in-arm” coalitions across civil society, capital, and gun owners.

Melhorn emphasizes the need to focus on January 2029: win in 2028 and ensure the win “sticks” in 2029. He points listeners to Voices of the Atoll on Substack and atolllsociety.org for more information.

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Get more from Stephanie G Wilson, PhD in the Substack app

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Takeaways

The federal government creates funding programs that states backfill with tax dollars.

States need actual money to function, and withholding taxes may not stop federal funding.

The Federal Reserve’s dual mandate is to keep inflation in check and promote job growth.

Economic reports can be delayed or disrupted, affecting policy decisions.

Democrats need to respond more assertively to Republican strategies.

The concept of whiteness is fluid and can be conferred or taken away based on social dynamics.

Historical context is crucial in understanding contemporary issues of race and power.

Both Nazi Germany and American slavery share historical roots in systemic oppression.

The framing of political issues often favors one narrative over another, obscuring the truth.

Community and collaboration are essential for political change.

Calls to Action

✅ Please like, comment, and share this conversation to bring more people into our community, which as we discussed, is how we win!

✅ Please consider a paid subscription or buy me a coffee.

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Are you aware of the silent war happening on our beliefs?

In our latest chat with Rachel Maron, we dive deep into the concept of **epistemic warfare**—how our understanding and trust are being manipulated every day.

In a world where misinformation and ideological battles rage on, understanding the dynamics of epistemic warfare has never been more crucial. I have a thought-provoking conversation with Rachel Maron, exploring the nature of trust, knowledge, and the ongoing struggle for truth in today’s society.

Main Content:

1. **The Rise of Epistemic Warfare**

The podcast begins with a reflection on the journey of the Freedom Over Fascism podcast, which has evolved over three years from discussing threats of civil war to confronting the stark realities of fascism in our everyday lives. Stephanie highlights the urgency of understanding the forces that shape our current reality, including the recent revelations from the Epstein files and the targeting of communities by ICE.

2. **Understanding Epistemic War**

Rachel Marin introduces the concept of epistemic warfare, which she defines as the battle over knowledge and understanding. She emphasizes that this is not a new phenomenon; it has roots that can be traced back to historical events like Galileo’s heliocentrism conflict with the church. Rachel shares her own experiences in the corporate world, where she teaches organizations to build environments of trust and transparency. This foundational understanding of trust is crucial in navigating the modern information landscape.

Takeaways

Fascism is increasingly visible in our daily lives.

The information war is a critical battleground today.

Understanding epistemic warfare is essential for navigating current events.

Trust and authority are being eroded in society.

The left lacks a unified message in response to misinformation.

AI can amplify misinformation and emotional resonance.

Social media acts as an outrage machine, fueling division.

Leadership in politics is crucial for effective communication.

Misinformation can lead to significant societal consequences.

We need proactive measures to combat epistemic warfare.

Calls to Action

✅ Please like, comment, and share this conversation.

✅ Please consider a paid subscription or buy me a coffee.

Subscribe now

Buy Me a Coffee

Share

✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen

✅ Subscribe on You Tube

Takeaways

Fascism is increasingly visible in our daily lives.

The information war is a critical battleground today.

Understanding epistemic warfare is essential for navigating current events.

Trust and authority are being eroded in society.

The left lacks a unified message in response to misinformation.

AI can amplify misinformation and emotional resonance.

Social media acts as an outrage machine, fueling division.

Leadership in politics is crucial for effective communication.

Misinformation can lead to significant societal consequences.

We need proactive measures to combat epistemic warfare.

Calls to Action

✅ Please like, comment, and share this conversation.

✅ Please consider a paid subscription or buy me a coffee.

Subscribe now

Buy Me a Coffee

✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen

✅ Subscribe on You Tube

Thank you , , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with , , and ! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Stephanie G Wilson, PhD in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

Thank you , , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with , , and ! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Stephanie G Wilson, PhD in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

I’m realizing that with all the activity on Substack, a firehose of information and insight, sometimes its hard to keep track of conversations that help us understand our moment, separate and apart from breaking news. So here’s a list of some of my recent conversations with a brief explanation of why it’s important.

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Treb Courie: Military Following Unlawful Orders

: On Being Jewish American and Fighting for Democracy

This was my first conversation in my Being Jewish-American mini-series, in which I hope to explore more of the nuances of being Jewish, American, and an advocate for freedom and democracy.

Dr. on the American Jewish Community and its Fractures. They discuss the historical context, the impact of October 7th, and the divisions within the community regarding support for Israel and the Palestinian cause. The conversation delves into the narratives that shape identity, the role of education, and the generational differences in perspectives on Israel. They also touch on the political dynamics influencing the conflict and the broader implications for American democracy.

I spoke with Anat Shenker-Osorio about the current political climate, the importance of narrative control, and the need for accountability in leadership.

Heather Cronk on activating 15 million ex-evangelicals, Christian Nationalist Zionism and it’s deep antisemitism, and the authoritarian nature of Evangelical Christianity.

of Run For Something and I discuss the importance of local leadership and the impact of young, diverse candidates in politics, as well as the necessity of rebuilding democracy from the local on up. Run For Something has 250,000 new candidates for office in their pipeline.

discusses the current state of global power dynamics, the erosion of institutional frameworks, and the implications of U.S. foreign policy on international relations. He emphasizes the unpredictability of U.S. actions and the resulting shifts in global risk perception.

Zahra Amanpour on resistance to the Iranian Islamic regime, women’s leading role in protest and resistance organizations, and the murder the Islamic Regime is perpetrating on the ground in Iran.

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Today I spoke to Zahra Amanpour, an Iranian-American woman whose life has been shaped by Iran’s struggle for freedom. Born during the 1979 revolution, Zahra grew up in the resistance movement—her parents were activists, and her father was killed in 1988 during one of the regime’s mass roundups. Now living in America where she runs an economic development business called Main Street Assembly, she remains deeply connected to the Iranian resistance and offered a firsthand perspective on what’s happening on the ground. The most recent uprisings began on December 28th, sparked by the collapse of Iran’s currency, and within days protests erupted across approximately 95 cities—essentially every town, city, and village in the country. This is fundamentally a feminist movement led by women, with Maryam Rajavi at the helm. Women have been specifically targeted by the regime for 45 years, and in response, they’ve become the backbone of the resistance—leading chants, confronting guards, and driving the struggle for freedom. This is what Zahra had to say about any possible return of the Shah’s son:

What’s Happening Now

What started in Tehran’s bazaar spread rapidly nationwide.

The regime’s response was swift and brutal: security forces opened fire on crowds, killing thousands. Within days, the government imposed a complete internet blackout. Verified reports indicate over 50,000 people have been rounded up and taken to prison. The regime has declared that the punishment for protest is death, and public executions have already begun.

While large public demonstrations have subsided due to the extreme violence, targeted resistance continues—especially at night, with coordinated actions against government buildings and security forces.

We’ll see what any possible attack by the US will mean.

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Coming up:

Monday 2/2/26, 11 am ET: Chronically Illing Out with

Tuesday 2/3/26 1pm ET: will talk with me about epistemic war, or the war on knowing and information.

Wednesday 2/4/26, 1pm ET: and I will talk about economic shit I knew nothing about til last week.

Friday, 2/6/26, 12:30 pm ET: Anti Fascist Book Club with

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