Background Briefing: December 2, 2018 | Howard Blume sits in for Ian Masters
Trump Nominates Defender of Black Voter Suppression
First we look into the nomination of Thomas Farr to be a federal judge. Though it didn’t get the attention of the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination, it has set off all sorts of alarm bells among civil rights activists. Farr is an attorney who has devoted a substantial part of his career to suppressing the black vote in North Carolina. Joining us to discuss the nomination is Kristen Clarke, the President of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
Trump’s Embrace of Saudi Despots Nothing New
Then we speak with Ali AlAhmed, a Saudi journalist who continues to have the courage to speak out against his country’s repressive government even though such words could get him killed. He also gives his critique of how the US government handles its foreign policy with the authoritarian Saudi monarchy.
Winning the Right to Fix Things — Even If Apple Doesn’t Want You To
Then finally we talk to LA Times Columnist Michael Hiltzik about the right-to-repair movement. Consumers and small businesses are having to go up against Apple and Amazon if they want to repair their cell phones and computers. The battle is being waged in repair shops, online and in state Legislatures.